Pep Guardiola said earlier this week that Erling Haaland was "exhausted", and he sure it looked it on Saturday. This performance came in total contrast to the Norwegian's dominant display in the previous derby at the Etihad Stadium in September, when Haaland had five shots, scored twice and hit the woodwork.
He had just two attempts at Old Trafford, but neither made it to the goal as his efforts were blocked by Martinez and Harry Maguire, respectively. In his 80 minutes on the pitch, Haaland had just 14 touches, struggling to find any space behind United's back four or even ask any questions of them.
Haaland effectively carried City with his explosive start to the season, and it seems to have taken its toll on him. He has started all 22 of their Premier League games, averaging 86 minutes per game, and in recent weeks he has barely got a rest. On Tuesday at Newcastle, he started his first Carabao Cup game in four seasons at City, while he even started against Exeter City, though he failed to score in the 10-1 drubbing of the League One side.
City should be worried about Haaland's general drop off in front of goal. He has only netted once in his last seven games, and that was a penalty against Brighton, with his last goals in open play coming the weekend before Christmas at home to West Ham. City have had little chance to rest Haaland, either, due to Omar Marmoush spending the maximum time at the Africa Cup of Nations while Egypt reached the semi-finals.
Marmoush is due back for next Saturday's game against Wolves, although knowing Haaland, he will not want to rest, especially not against the weakest team in the league who offer the most obvious way out of his latest drought.