Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s new head coach, has admitted that rivals Manchester City are in a “better place” than his team ahead of their highly anticipated derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Despite City’s recent struggles losing seven of their last 10 games, including a Champions League defeat to Juventus Amorim believes Pep Guardiola‘s side remains the stronger team due to their tactical understanding and confidence.
Contrasting Fortunes for Manchester Rivals
City’s form has taken a hit, with only one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
Their Champions League loss to Juventus further exposed their vulnerabilities, leaving fans and pundits questioning the reigning Premier League champions’ consistency.
Meanwhile, United staged a comeback to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.
However, they currently sit in 13th place in the Premier League standings, a stark reminder of the challenges Amorim faces in rebuilding the squad.
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Amorim’s Respect for City
Speaking about the derby, Amorim highlighted City’s quality despite their recent dip in form.
“The great teams can respond at any moment, and I think they are in a better place than us in understanding the game, the way they play, and the confidence they have,” Amorim said.
He added that his focus remains on addressing United’s internal issues, noting,
“We have a lot to focus on in our team. We will face a great opponent, but we have our own problems to solve.”
Amorim’s familiarity with City is well-documented, having defeated Guardiola’s side 4-1 during his tenure at Sporting CP.
However, he remains cautious, acknowledging the strength of his rivals even in challenging times.
Aiming for Future Title-Contending Derbies
The Manchester derby has historically been a clash of titans, particularly during title races in 2012 and 2013.
However, Amorim lamented the lack of stakes this time around, saying,
“It should be like two great teams fighting for the title, and it is not that in this moment.”
He expressed hope for future derbies to regain their significance as both clubs strive for success.
Onana’s Struggles and Amorim’s Support
Amorim also addressed goalkeeper André Onana’s recent mistakes, including costly errors in games against Viktoria Plzen and Nottingham Forest.
Despite the setbacks, Amorim defended his shot-stopper, stating,
“He has had situations like this in the past, and we have to work on it. The team managed to support him this time, unlike against Nottingham.”
Amorim’s Commitment to United
Amorim, who was previously linked to Manchester City before Guardiola extended his contract, reaffirmed his dedication to United.
Dismissing any speculation about joining City, he stated,
“When Manchester United talked to me, I had no doubts. This was my only option.”
His close friend Hugo Viana is set to join City as director of football next season, but Amorim insists his focus is solely on the Red Devils.
As the Manchester derby approaches, both teams face significant challenges. City, though struggling, remain favorites due to their experience and tactical cohesion.
For United, the match offers a chance to measure their progress under Amorim and perhaps lay the groundwork for future title-contending derbies.
Regardless of the outcome, the derby promises to be a pivotal moment in the season for both clubs.
