Ruben Amorim says Manchester United have “a bigger problem” than their city rivals this season ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend.
United make the short trip across town to the Etihad on Sunday where they will face a Manchester City side who have won just one game in their last ten in all competitions.
The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back in the Premier League following defeat at Old Trafford last weekend to Nottingham Forest.
Amorim’s side did come from behind on Thursday to beat Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, courtesy of two second-half goals from Rasmus Hojlund.
IT’S DERBY DAY 🔵⚔️🔴#MUFC || #MCIMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 15, 2024
But, despite City’s poor recent run of results, Amorim believes Pep Guardiola’s side still pose a threat and admits United’s problems are greater than those of their neighbours.
“They [City] are a very strong team with a lot of years working together,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
“They won a lot but also lost a lot. But they are so good at what they do. They can change this momentum anytime.
“We have a bigger problem because we are working on simple things but we want to win like Manchester City.
“It’s a game where both teams are not living the greatest moment of the season but it’s always a derby and we want to win it.”
Ahead of the game, the United boss also said he was looking forward to see how his players respond to the challenge.
Amorim said: “We have so much to do. Not just in the game, but in everything else.
“The way we play. I’m excited to see the behaviour of our players in this situation and this kind of game.”
It’s Manchester derby day! 🍿👀
Who are you backing? 👇 pic.twitter.com/jCcMrl3Cgx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024
The fixture will also mark Amorim’s first full month in charge of United. So far under the Portuguese manager, the team has played six matches, winning three.
And Amorim has reiterated the need for patience as the team adjusts to his methods.
“This should be like a pre-season, where I get to know my players but we do this in competition,” Amorim added.
“You always have surprises. You have an idea of a player and you have one or two surprises in good and bad ways.
“I already know it is a big job, it will take time. Forget me as a coach, the club needs time. That’s an important thing that everybody has to understand and we have to focus on every detail. Not just the result, we want to win but we have to improve a lot.”
