EXCLUSIVE: Ruben Amorim Believes Manchester United Are a Better Side Now Than They Were the Last Time They Faced Manchester City
The Manchester derby is never short of narratives, but ahead of the upcoming clash, a fresh storyline has emerged from within Old Trafford. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has privately expressed his belief that his team are in a much stronger position now than they were the last time they faced Manchester City. It is a bold statement given the Red Devils’ recent turbulence, but one that underlines Amorim’s growing confidence in the progress being made under his leadership.
United’s previous meeting with City was a painful one, exposing frailties that critics said defined the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era: inconsistency, lack of identity, and a gulf in class. City’s precision and dominance overwhelmed a United side that struggled to impose themselves. But Amorim, who took charge this summer with a reputation for tactical innovation and player development, insists the present-day Manchester United is evolving into a more balanced, resilient, and dangerous unit.
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Amorim’s Confidence in His Project
When Amorim arrived, he made it clear that patience and process were key. His track record at Sporting Lisbon—where he developed young players, implemented a clear tactical style, and competed toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite—earned him admiration across the continent. At United, the task was even greater.
In private conversations with club insiders and now through subtle comments in training ground briefings, Amorim has pointed out that United are building momentum. He acknowledges that Manchester City remain the gold standard in English football, but he is adamant the Red Devils are narrowing the gap.
According to sources close to the Portuguese coach, Amorim believes the squad has responded positively to his methods. “We are stronger, more united, and tactically clearer than we were in the last derby,” he is reported to have said, emphasizing discipline, energy, and collective responsibility as the cornerstones of progress.
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What Went Wrong Last Time
To understand Amorim’s optimism, one must revisit the last Manchester derby. City’s dominance was stark. Their midfield controlled the tempo, Erling Haaland bullied the United defense, and Pep Guardiola’s side exploited United’s lack of cohesion.
United, then under Erik ten Hag, looked passive. The press was uncoordinated, transitions were sloppy, and attacking patterns lacked sharpness. City dictated the game from start to finish, leaving United fans frustrated at the familiar sight of their team being outclassed.
Amorim has analyzed that defeat extensively. He concluded that United were reactive rather than proactive, failing to disrupt City’s rhythm or exploit spaces on the counter. The Portuguese coach vowed to instill a bolder mentality, insisting United should never approach the derby in fear.
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Tactical Improvements Under Amorim
Since taking charge, Amorim has made noticeable tactical tweaks that give credence to his claim of progress:
1. Pressing Structure – Amorim has introduced a more coordinated high press, inspired by his Sporting teams. United are no longer pressing in isolation; instead, they hunt in packs, cutting off passing lanes and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas.
2. Defensive Solidity – While still a work in progress, United’s defensive unit is more compact. Amorim demands narrow spacing between the back line and midfield to prevent opponents from exploiting gaps.
3. Midfield Balance – Unlike in the previous derby, where United were overrun, Amorim has prioritized balance. Sofyan Amrabat and Casemiro offer steel, while Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes provide energy and creativity. Even with Mount’s recent absence, the principles remain clear.
4. Wide Play – Amorim has encouraged wingers like Alejandro Garnacho and Antony to be direct, committing defenders and creating chaos. Against City’s full-backs, that unpredictability could prove vital.
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Player Development: A Key Factor
Another reason Amorim insists United are stronger now is player growth. Several individuals have taken steps forward under his guidance:
Rasmus Højlund has sharpened his movement and finishing, looking more composed in front of goal. Amorim has worked on his positioning to ensure he stays central and ready for service.
Alejandro Garnacho is maturing into a consistent threat, no longer just an impact substitute. His directness offers United a dangerous weapon in transitions.
Diogo Dalot has flourished under Amorim’s instruction, improving his defensive concentration while contributing intelligently in attack.
Bruno Fernandes, sometimes criticized for losing discipline in big matches, has shown more tactical maturity, pressing smarter and retaining possession better.
Amorim views these improvements as evidence that the squad is buying into his philosophy and gaining confidence.
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Mentality Shift
Perhaps the most significant change Amorim identifies is psychological. He has drilled into his players the importance of self-belief in marquee fixtures. Gone is the inferiority complex that sometimes haunted United in recent derbies.
Amorim has repeatedly told his squad that respecting City does not mean fearing them. He stresses that United must embrace the pressure, feed off the energy of the occasion, and impose their style. “We are Manchester United,” he reportedly reminded players this week. “We fight for every ball, every duel, and we play to win—not to survive.”
This shift in mentality could prove decisive. City thrive when opponents retreat and concede dominance. Amorim wants United to meet them head-on, even if it means taking risks.
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The Challenges That Remain
Of course, Amorim is realistic. City remain formidable, boasting depth, chemistry, and the genius of Pep Guardiola. Haaland’s power, Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity, and Rodri’s control make them one of the toughest teams to face anywhere in the world.
Amorim knows United are not yet at City’s level in terms of consistency or squad depth. Injuries have complicated preparations, and the derby will be a stern examination of United’s progress. Yet, Amorim insists that the team going into this match is more confident, more structured, and more dangerous than the one humbled in the previous derby.
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Fan Reaction and the Bigger Picture
Fans have responded positively to Amorim’s belief. After years of managers deflecting or lowering expectations, supporters appreciate a coach who openly embraces the challenge. Many fans view this as the kind of fighting spirit that has been missing at Old Trafford for too long.
If United can deliver a strong performance—win, lose, or draw—it would reinforce Amorim’s message that progress is real. A victory, of course, would electrify Old Trafford, reasserting United’s relevance in the title race and sending a clear message to their noisy neighbors.
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Final Thoughts
Ruben Amorim’s conviction that Manchester United are better now than in their last clash with Manchester City is not mere bravado. It is grounded in tactical improvements, player development, and a mentality shift that he has instilled since arriving.
The task remains enormous—City are the benchmark, and derbies are unpredictable. But Amorim’s confidence reflects a wider sense that United are turning a corner. They may not yet be the finished product, but they are no longer the passive, disjointed team that faltered last time.
The derby will test the validity of Amorim’s claim, but win or lose, his belief has already injected fresh optimism into the red half of Manchester. For United fans, that in itself is a step forward.
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