Ruben Amorim has suggested that both Manchester United and Manchester City are currently lacking the quality to make their derby matches a “spectacle”.
Following the underwhelming 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, Amorim voiced his belief that neither team was performing at a level worthy of the historic clash’s expectations.
United, sitting in 13th place in the Premier League, are enduring what Amorim described as “the worst season in history,” while City, fresh off relinquishing their title, now find themselves on the brink of failing to secure a Champions League spot for next season. With both teams struggling to meet their usual standards, the derby – which had been dubbed one of the least impactful in recent years – lacked the energy and excitement one might expect from a fixture of such magnitude.
Amorim, however, didn’t place all the blame on his own team or their rivals. He acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding both clubs: “We’re not in the best form to provide the spectacle that fans are hoping for. Manchester United is going through the worst season in their history, and City, having dominated in recent years, is now facing its own challenges. When you’re not fighting for the major trophies, everything feels different.”
Despite the disappointing draw, United’s troubles are far from over. Amorim’s side remains on track for their worst-ever Premier League finish and are staring down the possibility of an even worse points tally. The team has only managed four wins in their last 12 outings across all competitions, and they’ve yet to secure back-to-back league victories this season. Yet, Amorim remains optimistic, pointing to signs of improvement amidst the turmoil.
“It’s still tough every day, but you can already feel that next season is going to be a whole different story,” he reflected. “The changes have been hard for everyone, and we need to deliver something special next year. In the good moments, you see that the work we’re doing now will lay the foundation for a better, clearer idea of what we want to accomplish.”
While the game lacked the intensity and quality of the derby’s usual standards, Amorim remains hopeful that this period of adjustment will bear fruit in the long run. Both teams are aiming to turn things around, with United heading to Lyon for Europa League action before their Premier League clash against Newcastle on April 13. City, on the other hand, will host Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium a day earlier.
In short, Amorim acknowledged the difficult moment both Manchester clubs find themselves in but maintained his belief that better days are ahead, with a focus on the long-term rebuild that will eventually restore these iconic teams to their former glory.
