Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, emphasizes that his team faces significant challenges, overshadowing the struggles of rivals Manchester City in the lead-up to the Manchester Derby on Sunday. City is grappling with their worst performance since Pep Guardiola took the helm in 2016, having secured only one win in their last ten outings and suffered five consecutive defeats.
In contrast, Manchester United, under Amorim’s guidance, has shown slight improvement, securing a victory against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League after back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. However, Amorim remains cautious, acknowledging that City, despite their poor form, continues to pose a formidable threat.
“They are capable of turning their momentum at any time,” Amorim stated. “They have been a strong team for years, with extensive experience in both victories and defeats. Our issues are more pressing as we seek to establish our identity.”
Amorim expressed determination to win the derby, noting, “While neither team is in peak form, it’s always a derby, and our goal is to clinch victory.”
Reflecting on his previous triumph over Guardiola’s side during his tenure at Sporting, where he led them to a 4-1 Champions League win, Amorim pointed out that past results do not necessarily influence the upcoming match. Instead, he is eager to witness his players’ responses to the derby atmosphere.
“This experience doesn’t directly relate to our preparations. However, it has helped us understand the intensity of such matches,” he noted. “We’re looking to see how we perform and what we can learn about our players in this environment.”
Amorim, who has been in charge for nearly a month, highlights the importance of patience. Having played nine matches in just 30 days, he acknowledges the limited training time for implementing system changes.
“This period feels like a pre-season, where I am getting to know my players during competitive fixtures,” he remarked. “There are always surprises, both positive and negative, and I recognize the enormity of this job. It will take time, and it’s crucial for everyone involved to understand that as we strive for improvement, not just in results but in overall performance.”
