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Amorim’s Bold Claim: Manchester United “A Better Team” Ahead of Derby Showdown
Sep
As the Manchester derby looms this Sunday, a confident Ruben Amorim has declared his Manchester United squad a superior unit compared to the one that triumphed over rivals Manchester City nine months ago. This assertion comes despite a tumultuous 11-month tenure marked by inconsistency and significant changes at Old Trafford.
A Manager’s Conviction Amidst Scrutiny
Amorim, who has seen considerable backing in the transfer market, now faces the ultimate test of his managerial prowess against Pep Guardiola’s formidable Manchester City. Last season, United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Etihad, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo scoring late goals. However, that win represents one of only eight in 30 Premier League outings for Amorim, a statistic that underscores the challenge he faces.
Despite a disappointing start to the new campaign for City, including defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion, Amorim remains under no illusions about the quality of their opponents. Yet, he emphasized the progress he believes his team has made.
“It’s a top team with the best coach in the league,” Amorim stated. “A team that is really hard to imagine how they are going to play. They change all the time. But we are prepared for that. And we believe in our team. And I have that feeling. So it will be a very good game. We know what to do, we have one more training. The table, in the moment, it doesn’t matter. I’m just worried about maintaining the same principles. The way we fight for every ball. The small details that sometimes we drop a little bit. Not in these games. So I’m more comfortable in these kinds of games. But we will be ready against a very, very good team.”
He further added, “I think we are a better team. Any aspect, if you see the data, we are a different team. We are ready to play the game. But we have to show onside. So I think we are a better team.”
Amorim’s Premier League Record: A Snapshot
Amorim’s league record paints a picture of the challenges faced:
- Games Played: 30
- Won: 8
- Drawn: 7
- Lost: 15
- Goals Scored / Goals Against: 36 / 46 (-10)
- Win Percentage: 26.67%
The Academy Vow: Preserving a Legacy
Beyond the derby, focus has also been on the future of academy product Kobbie Mainoo. Despite initial interest in a loan move for more regular minutes, United opted to retain the young midfielder. Mainoo is now one of only four academy players in the first-team squad, a stark reminder of Manchester United’s unparalleled commitment to youth development.
The club boasts an incredible record of including an academy graduate in every matchday squad since October 1937 – an astonishing 88 years and 4,326 games. Amorim is keenly aware of this legacy.
“I don’t want to be the guy that broke that record,” he affirmed. “If you see the past of Manchester United, it’s built on kids that grew up here and stayed here for a long time. I think that should be our goal in the future. So I will try to maintain that.”
As Sunday’s derby approaches, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if Amorim’s confidence translates into a performance that can once again defy the odds and prove his “better team” claim.
