Manchester Derby Looms in the Midst of Struggle, Uncertainty in Both Camps

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has already developed a reputation for blunt speaking.

Asked to look ahead to his first Manchester derby in the wake of his side’s 2-1 comeback Europa League victory over Czech side Viktoria Plzen, Amorim got straight to the point.

“It should be two great teams fighting for the title,” the Portuguese said. “But it is not that at the moment. Both teams are struggling.”

Current form is part of what is making this particular meeting between City and United, between blue and red, feel a bit odd.

It is only just over five weeks since Amorim was preparing to face City in the Champions League as manager of former club Sporting.

The home side’s thrilling 4-1, Amorim-inspired victorythat night was the third match in what has turned into an desperate run for defending champions City, who have won only once in their past 10 games, conceding 23 goals in the process.

Since Amorim replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag last month, United have taken four points from four Premier League games as they get used to a completely new system. Their last two league games ended in defeat by Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

Only once since the 1991-92 season have neither United nor City managed to finish at least third in the English top flight. City are presently fourth. United are 13th.

This Mancunian confrontation feels like a throwback to the 1980s, when City and United were generally a considerable distance off being title winners, and the sub-plots on Sunday are fascinating.

Manchester City have won just once since 26 October.

Listen to City boss Pep Guardiola and the reason for this stunning reversal of fortunes is all about the schedule.

It is the packed schedule, Guardiola believes, that has led to the injuries that have decimated his squad. The most grievous blow is undoubtedly the cruciate knee ligament damage suffered by Rodri.

The Ballon d’Or winner is one of what could be six senior City absences for the United game. Rico Lewis’ suspension means Pep might only have three defenders and could be forced to select Bernardo Silva or Matheus Nunes at full-back.

For now, he is playing the same players, some of whom, like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, are not in the best form.

In late October, a day after City beat Southampton, United unluckily lost at West Ham.

It proved to be the end for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked the next day, while United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth subsequently paid the pricefor the drawn out decision-making behind the Dutchman’s exit, losing his job after five months in the role.

Rather than bring in a replacement who might fit the existing system, like Graham Potter or Gareth Southgate, United decided on radical action, drafting Amorim in mid-season from Sporting.

The Portuguese is attempting to implement a new formation, with hardly any training time. He has already warned it will be a long process.