Rúben Amorim is set to experience the Manchester city derby for the first time, just weeks after taking charge. The United manager faces the task of deepening the crisis at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday when his team takes on City. The Portuguese coach is not taking the challenge lightly and also addressed the goal his team conceded in the match in the Czech Republic.
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Manchester City has been struggling for form, suffering a string of disappointing results that have left the club in an uncharacteristic slump.
Yet, despite their poor run of performances, they remain overwhelming favorites heading into Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, a reflection of their reputation, squad depth, and the relentless quality they are capable of showing. For Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim, this favoritism is entirely justified. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Portuguese tactician demonstrated both respect and realism regarding the challenge his team faces against their city rivals.
“Big teams can bounce back at any moment,” Amorim remarked, clearly wary of the threat City still poses despite their recent form. “You can never underestimate a side like Manchester City. They have an incredible understanding of the game, a unique style of play, and a level of confidence that sets them apart. Even now, they still have an edge over us in many areas. There are plenty of things we need to focus on, and we have to be very disciplined to compete with a team of their caliber.” Amorim’s comments reflect the caution of a manager who understands just how dangerous a wounded City can be, particularly when they are backed into a corner and eager to reestablish their dominance.
One of the key issues Amorim highlighted was Manchester United’s vulnerability in conceding easy goals, something that has been a recurring theme in recent weeks. A glaring example came during Thursday’s Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen, when goalkeeper André Onana’s error led to a costly goal early in the second half. Onana, who has been under intense scrutiny since his arrival, misjudged his distribution, leading to an awkward sequence involving Matthijs de Ligt, which ultimately allowed Plzen to capitalize.
While the mistake drew criticism from fans and pundits alike, Amorim was quick to defend his goalkeeper, emphasizing the importance of context and a collective response. “Onana has experienced this kind of situation before in his career,” Amorim said with a measured tone. “Mistakes happen, especially when you’re playing in a system where the goalkeeper is involved in building up play. It’s something we need to work on as a team, not just as individuals. The responsibility doesn’t fall solely on André it’s about coordination, communication, and execution.”
Amorim then offered a more detailed breakdown of the incident, using it as an opportunity to underline the broader tactical lessons his squad must learn. “If you watch the situation back, you can see what we were trying to do. We wanted to build up through the goalkeeper and Matta (Matthijs de Ligt), but in that particular moment, the timing and coordination were just slightly off. That’s football it can happen to any team, especially when you’re playing against a side that presses aggressively and looks to capitalize on mistakes. The important thing is how you respond. It made for a difficult start to the second half, but we managed to recover well as a team.”
The United boss went on to praise Onana’s resilience and the crucial role he has played for the team since his arrival. “This time, the team was able to help André, just as he has saved us so many times in the past. People sometimes forget how many crucial saves he has made to keep us in games, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to be an important part of this team moving forward. What matters is that we learn from this and keep improving.”
Amorim’s balanced approach acknowledging mistakes while reinforcing his players’ confidence reflects his growing influence as a leader at Manchester United. The Portuguese coach has sought to instill a sense of unity and accountability within the squad since his arrival, encouraging players to take responsibility for their performances while emphasizing collective improvement. This mindset will be particularly crucial heading into the derby, where every detail will be scrutinized, and mistakes are likely to be punished.
The Manchester derby represents far more than just another game for both sides. For City, it is a chance to prove that their recent slump is nothing more than a temporary blip. Pep Guardiola’s side remains one of the most dangerous teams in Europe, and their ability to dominate possession, press relentlessly, and exploit space makes them a constant threat, even when results are not going their way. For United, the derby is an opportunity to capitalize on City’s vulnerabilities and make a statement of their own. Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford is still in its early stages, but a strong performance at the Etihad could serve as a turning point, injecting belief and momentum into a squad that has often struggled for consistency.
United fans will be watching closely to see how their team responds under pressure. The rivalry with City is as intense as ever, and the derby provides a platform for players to step up, prove their worth, and deliver for the badge. Amorim, for his part, appears ready for the challenge, his comments reflecting both a respect for City’s quality and a quiet determination to see his team rise to the occasion.
As Sunday’s clash looms, the stakes could not be higher. For City, it is a test of resilience and their ability to overcome adversity. For United, it is a chance to make a statement, close the gap, and show that they are ready to compete at the highest level. Amorim’s calm, pragmatic approach will be key in ensuring his players remain focused and prepared for what promises to be an intense and fiercely contested battle at the Etihad Stadium.
Updated: 03:38, 13 Dec 2024
