Ruben Amorim’s first Manchester Derby was successful. United won 2-1, their first at the Etihad Stadium in three years. After Sunday’s clash, both sides were under severe pressure, with only one and two wins in their last five games, respectively.
Moreover, the pressure was on Amorim’s depleted United to take advantage of a depleted Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
The new United boss bravely decided to omit Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the matchday squad.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe first half was a rather scrappy affair, as it summed up the situation of both teams.
That was until the hosts exposed the visitors’ Achilles heel, as Josko headed in the opener from a Kevin De Bruyne Corner after 37 minutes.
Embed from Getty ImagesKyle Walker and Rasmus Højlund were walking a tightrope. Their fierce confrontation could have resulted in both being sent off.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnited’s game improved in the second half, with Amad Diallo forcing a save from Ederson.
Embed from Getty ImagesRuben Diaz’s daft challenge on Højlund gave United a chance to get back into the game with a penalty in the 88th minute.
Embed from Getty ImagesCaptain Bruno Fernandes converted it to get the hosts back on level terms.
Embed from Getty ImagesBefore Amad Diallo netted the winner in the 90th minute.
Embed from Getty ImagesAmorim Ruthlessness Pays Off
Embed from Getty ImagesIn reference to the omissions of Rashford and Garnacho, the Red Devils Boss gave a ruthless explanation on his decisions.
“We try to evaluate everything – training, performance, game performance, engagement with the teammates, push the teammates up.’
Amorim: Sky SportsThis emphasises the kind of Manager Amorim is, and shows his demeanor towards his style of management.
The best Managers have the ability to make tough decisions when a team is under pressure, and Amorim has shown that he is one of them.
You look at why Managers like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have had so much success everywhere they have been, it’s their ability to stamp their authority on their team and make bold decisions under pressure.
What this move has also done, is that let the players know that their place in the team is under threat, unless they improve the consistency of their performances.
Positive Start, But Still Work To Do
The Red Devils may be delighted with their Derby Day win, but Amorim knows that much still needs improving.
United is currently 13th in the Premier League and is six points off the top four, which is realistically where they should be.
Their next fixtures include a League Cup quarterfinal against Spurs, followed by AFC Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Newcastle United. They will then play Liverpool at Anfield on January 5th.
Amorim and his players must build momentum in the games before the big clash at the beginning of 2025 to boost their confidence.
Could this be the start of United’s revival under Ruben Amorim?
Find out on World In Sport.