It's fair to say that last night's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium wasn't much to shout about.
The only real significant moment in the game was Marouane Fellaini's sending off six minutes from time.
Just 19 seconds after committing a cynical foul on Sergio Aguero and earning a yellow card late in 0-0 draw, the Belgian committed another offence and as he and the City striker squared up, Fellaini raised his head and was promptly shown a straight red card.
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Here's Jose Mourinho talking about Fellaini's dismissal:
Credit: Hayters
In all truth, the standard of attacking play on display was underwhelming, with Jose Mourinho clearly setting his side up for a draw, and Pep Guardiola's City not having enough about them to break down United.
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A huge factor in City not being able to find the net was the impressive performance produced by United defender Eric Bailly.
Image: PA
The Ivorian, who admitted he could well have joined City in the summer, has grown to become a key figure at United - evidenced in his showing last night.
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The 23-year old is drawing comparisons to Nemanja Vidic from United fans thanks to his excellent reading of the game and the aggression he plays with, but the most noteworthy thing about Bailly's display last night, and in his other outings, was his ability to step out from the back and excel as a front-foot defender.
Image: PA
A Twitter user has compiled all of Bailly's highlights from the game and though compilations don't always tell the story of a match or performance, it shows just how imperious the former Villarreal man was in thwarting City and their attackers.
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Watch the clip here:
United forked out a reported £30million to land Bailly for last summer and, putting his knee injury aside, he's been a big hit.
He's played 32 games and been a big part of United's improved defensive displays this season. Now Mourinho and fans alike will be hoping he can kick on to become one of the best centre backs in Europe as they target success at home and on the continent.
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Were you impressed with Bailly's performance last night?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Topics: Manchester City, Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Nemanja Vidic, Eric Bailly