Man United did not let the blues gain winning confidence even at their home. Once again a ‘Fergie’ time winner helps United win a derby. Ruben Amorim has now defeated Man City twice in a single season, once with Sporting and now with the reds.
Amorim’s masterclass
Ruben Amorim becomes the first manager after Sir Alex Ferguson to win his first derby and that too at the away stadium. The manager has 4 wins and 1 draw in his 7 matches as a main man at the club. Man United are now at the 13th position with just 3 points away from the top 6.
Amorim’s playstyle is quite noticeable within just a few matches. A proper pressing structure, player rotation process, ruthless with the players who don’t perform are just few of his qualities.
When he was asked about the players who fit in his system he said “ All the players fit my system “.
Talking about his rotation process, in the derby Amorim was brave enough to not even include Rashford and Garnacho in the squad. When asked by Sky Sports he said “ It’s not a disciplinary thing, it’s something that we have to do to improve our standards. “
When Rasmus Hojlund was unable to score Amorim did not even think twice to bench him. Having patience with Amad Diallo is also appreciable, the way Amad was ignored by the previous management affected his potential. Ruben just took a few games to choose his core players and Diallo is one of them.
United’s comeback
The starting line-up of the game was a bit surprising for a lot of people. It did not include Leny Yoro, Rashford/Garnacho and most importantly Kobbie Mainoo. However Mason Mount seems to be a key player for the manager as he has the ability to press relentlessly. At the 12th minute due to an unfortunate injury Mount had to leave the pitch which forced the early arrival of Kobbie Mainoo.
The academy kid showed brilliance in ball control since coming on pitch. Although he did not start, Mainoo won 5 out of 6 tackles against the blues which is just 1 less than Mazraoui.
Harry Maguire too had a genius game, he is the unsung hero of the derby. 100% tackles won, 100% ground duels won, 5 interceptions, 3 clearances, 1 block, Maguire showed his captaincy skills in organizing the defence and stopping Haaland.
Bruno Fernandes seemed a little underwhelming in the first half as his press and ball giveaway did not let the other players to be in sync. His terrible miss in the second half would have cost the game but when got the opportunity in the form of a penalty he stepped up.
Amad Diallo too made some wrong passes and decisions in the final third in the first half. In the second half none of those were remembered as he managed to get a penalty and on top of that scored the winner.
Downfall of Pep’s Man City
Just 1 victory in the last 11 games for Manchester City. The title hopes are already dusted for the blues after the derby loss. Ever Since Pep Guardiola has compared Ronaldo to Messi he has not been able to get a convincing win. Currently in 5th position, the blues can face severe problems in getting an UCL spot if the same form continues.
Amidst a lot of problems in the team, one of the major concerts has been a mental blockage. In the post match interview Bernado Silva said “Today, the last minutes we played like Under 15s.”
The only missing player from their set-up is Rodri and surely his absence has affected them but this should never be an excuse. They definitely lack leaders like Rodri, KDB’s unsatisfactory form along with bad midfield work rate also adds up.
The fans want Kyle Walker to be sold, the English full back has shown no reason this season to be backed. Not just defensive errors, lack of pace from full backs is also a huge reason for ineffective attack.
They definitely need a signing in the midfield in the winter window. In the absence of Rodri. Kovacic tried to compensate but eventually they crumbled in pressure in the midfield. They are making chances but are unable to finish them because of Haaland’s poor form.
Apart from Haaland their midfielders, wingers, defenders all used to score when they were at their best but currently no one seems to step up. A signing in the midfield which can balance the midfield and help players like KDB and Foden to make chances will help them get their scoring form back.
