Ruben Amorim says Manchester United have a “bigger problem” than their city rivals this season ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby.
United make the short trip across town to the Etihad on Sunday to 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 return to the Premier League following last weekend’s defeat at Old Trafford by Nottingham Forest.
Amorim’s side came from behind on Thursday to beat Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League thanks to 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 are still a threat and admits United’s problems are greater than those of their neighbours.
“They (City) are a very strong team with many years of working together,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
“They won a lot but they also lost a lot. But they are so good at what they do. They can change that momentum at any time.
“We have a bigger problem because we work on simple things, but we want to win like Manchester City.
“It’s a game where both teams are not at their best 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 seeing how his players would rise 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 behavior of our players in this situation and this type of game.”
It’s Manchester derby day! 🍿👀
Who do you support? 👇 pic.twitter.com/jCcMrl3Cgx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024
The game 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 reiterated the need for patience as the team adjusts to his methods.
“This should be like a preparation, where I know my players, but we do that in competition,” Amorim added.
“You always have surprises. You have an idea for a player and have a surprise or two in good and bad ways.
“I already know it’s a big job, it will take time. Forget me as a coach, the club needs time. This is an important thing that everyone needs to understand and we need to focus on every detail. Not only the result, we want to win but we have to improve a lot.”
