The Manchester derby finished goalless after a game devoid of any genuine quality. The only first-half chance of note fell to Alejandro Garnacho, who could not make his mind up, letting Manchester City off the hook.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland, center, challenges for the ball with Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson) AP

The Manchester derby showed how far both City and United have to go, while complacency was a theme for both Real Madrid and Liverpool in defeats to Valencia and Fulham, as Gab Marcotti recaps the weekend.