Kevin De Bruyne was on the field the entire time yesterday as Manchester City and Manchester United drew 0–1. During his final Manchester Derby appearance, he made an effort to motivate and encourage his side. Even though he gave it his all, De Bruyne did exhaust himself in the last moments of the game.
Even though it was evident that the legs that had allowed him to achieve such incredible things on the field were no longer able to support him as they once did, the Manchester City legend could not have done more to motivate his team.
On the field yesterday, Kevin De Bruyne played a more advanced offensive role. With the same intensity that has been a hallmark of his play throughout his career, he did lead City’s high press in the early going of the game.
Both of De Bruyne’s noteworthy left-footed shots throughout the match were aimed directly at Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who easily collected them both. Although there were several moments in De Bruyne’s performance, it encapsulated his current status as a player.
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In a run of 88 games with at least one chance created, De Bruyne had not played the entire 90 minutes without creating at least one goal for his teammates since a match against West Ham United in April 2018.
Even though it wasn’t the ideal conclusion to De Bruyne’s Manchester derby legacy, United captain Bruno Fernandes still singled out the Belgium international for praise following the match.
For Fernandes, “De Bruyne improved the Premier League,” Sky Sports said. “Kevin De Bruyne deserves all the credit if City is ahead of Manchester United and the team hasn’t won many titles recently.
“He did an amazing job. Being in the Premier League for ten years is a lot. They have made the decision to separate. I am unsure of the source, but it was enjoyable to observe Kevin up close. He continues to be world-class. Playing against him was enjoyable. Not just for Man City, but for the Premier League as a whole, he will live on.
