New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has already made a name for himself with his straightforward approach.
When asked about his first Manchester derby following a 2-1 Europa League comeback victory over Viktoria Plzen, the Portuguese coach didn’t mince words.
"It should be two great teams fighting for the title," Amorim said. "But it is not that at the moment. Both teams are struggling."
Current form makes this upcoming derby feel unusual, with both teams facing significant challenges. Just over five weeks ago, Amorim was preparing to face Manchester City in the Champions League as manager of Sporting. His team’s impressive 4-1 victory that night was part of a disastrous run for the defending champions, who have won just once in their last 10 games, conceding 23 goals in the process.
Since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag at United, the team has earned just four points from four Premier League games, adapting to a new system with limited time for training. Their last two league outings ended in defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
For the first time since the 1991-92 season, neither Manchester United nor City are in the top three of the Premier League. City currently sit fourth, while United languish in 13th place.
This clash, therefore, has a retro feel to it, reminiscent of the 1980s when both clubs were far from title contenders. The derby’s subplots, however, are fascinating.
What’s Gone Wrong at City?
City’s struggles have been largely attributed to a grueling fixture schedule, according to Pep Guardiola. He believes injuries, including Rodri's long-term knee problem, have been exacerbated by the congested calendar.
City head into the derby with as many as six key absentees, including the suspended Rico Lewis. Guardiola may need to field players out of their usual positions, such as Bernardo Silva or Matheus Nunes at full-back.
Despite their injury woes, Guardiola has stayed loyal to his players, though stars like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland have not been in top form.
In late October, after a loss to West Ham, Erik ten Hag was dismissed as United manager. United quickly turned to Amorim, opting for a major change rather than hiring someone who might fit the existing system. Amorim now faces the daunting task of implementing a new formation with little preparation.
The Situation at United
Guardiola’s loyalty to his aging squad has been questioned, especially as players like Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan approach 34, while Kevin de Bruyne’s contract expires in the summer.
City’s recent signings have yet to justify their fees, with Kalvin Phillips, Matheus Nunes, and Jeremy Doku all underperforming. Meanwhile, the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and Cole Palmer's move to Chelsea add to the sense that City’s squad is in need of rejuvenation.
At United, Amorim has inherited a squad built around Ten Hag’s vision, which has led to inconsistent results. Players like Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes have been used in unfamiliar roles, while Marcus Rashford has struggled to adapt as a centre-forward. The team’s ongoing instability is evident as Amorim continues to search for the right balance.
What’s Next for Both Clubs?
Both clubs are likely to make moves in the January transfer window, though City’s financial stability gives them an edge. Guardiola has distanced himself from talk of new signings, instead focusing on getting his injured players back, but reinforcements seem inevitable, particularly in midfield.
For United, the situation is more complex. Amorim must determine how many players he wants to keep and how he will handle potential departures. Selling high-earning underperformers like Antony or even homegrown star Marcus Rashford could help alleviate financial pressure, but the logistics of these deals are far from straightforward.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent comments about United’s mediocrity highlight the challenges Amorim faces, both on and off the pitch, as he looks to rebuild a team in turmoil.
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