Manchester City and Manchester United played out a goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium in a largely forgettable contest.

Both teams had their chances, but the game looked to be heading to a mundane draw until it broke into life with five-minutes of normal time left as Marouane Fellaini was sent off.

Fellaini was booked for a challenge on Sergio Aguero but then just second later barged into him again, whilst Martin Atkinson considered a sescond booking – the Belgian headbutted the Argentine and the decision of a straight red was an easy one.

Thereafter City had good chances to win it in injury time. Substitute Gabriel Jesus headed home but was rightfully flagged for offside and then Aguero volleyed wide from inside the six-yard box after being found by Kevin De Bruyne.

United had their opportunities, especially in the first-half, with Ander Herrera spurning a good chance whilst City threatened throughout without worrying David De Gea too much although Aguero did hit the outside of his post and the Spaniard made a couple of saves from the Argentine and Aleksandar Kolarov.

The result means City stay fourth and United fifth, but both close the gap on Liverpool in third. City are just one point off Liverpool and United two points – both with a game in-hand over the Merseyside giants.

The result sees United moved out to 5/2 from 2/1 for a top four place. The Citizens are 1/12 from 1/16 pre-match. Liverpool are 2/5 now from 4/9 with Arsenal 9/2 from 5/1 as they are still in striking distance with a game in hand.