In the 2024-2025 season, Ruben Amorim has faced Manchester City and Pep Guardiola 3 times without winning any matches. Amorim's Sporting Lisbon defeated Man City 4-1, before he and Man United won 2-1 in the Derby in December 2024 thanks to 2 late goals. The reunion in April 2025 ended in a goalless draw at Old Trafford.
Amorim did not have many bright spots in his first season at Man United, but the "Red Devils" performances against the Big Six brought encouragement. The Old Trafford side drew with Liverpool and Arsenal away, while the win over Man City at the Etihad brought a burst of emotions.
In the opening match of the 2025-2026 season against Arsenal, despite losing 0-1, M.U's performance still left a positive mark. This Manchester Derby is therefore pivotal as it is the first Derby since December 2020, Man United leads Man City in the rankings.
Putting a pressing trap
It is no coincidence that Amorim's Man United often play well against teams in the Big Six. The Portuguese coach inherited what previous coaches left behind but at the same time built a different approach, escaping the complete dependence on counter-attacks and gegen-pressing.
In the December 2024 Derby, Lisandro Martinez was unexpectedly used as an attacking midfielder, often moving up the left wing to receive the ball. Man United currently often proactively ats opponents to press near the penalty area, then quickly opens the ball out to the wing-backs or attack midfielders to attack. This is a suitable style of play when facing big teams, teams that tend to focus on ball control.
Why is Amorim so persistent with this philosophy?
First, Man United has many central defenders who only focus on defense. They feel more comfortable playing in a small space near the goal. When organized and deployed on a small scale, they can easily control the situation, while reducing the distance to cover if they make mistakes.
Second, Man United's attacking players, from Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo to Benjamin Sesko, all prefer to accelerate in space rather than try to penetrate deep into the defense. By pushing their opponents up, the "Red Devils" opened up space to exploit behind the defense. If they cannot create a superior number of players on one wing, they are ready to reverse the attack.
A clear example is Lisandro's assist for Amad in the Derby in December 2024. Against strong opponents, Man United's "slow - slow - fast" passing rhythm both helps reduce pressure and creates a breakthrough at the right time. At the same time, this style of play also covered up the limitations in the midfield, when most of the ball control was allocated to the 5-man defense.
Amorim is not worried when opponents suspect his intention to attack the ball, because what he wants is to incite the opponent's impatience, forcing them to make mistakes. On the other hand, the repeat of this pass will help Man United players become more and more proficient in deploying the ball.
Lisandro Martinez is unlikely to make it into the next Derby, but Man United may still find a way to "pull" Man City up. The question is whether this trick will repeat the success of December or become a lackluster draw like in April?
Risks and opportunities
The Manchester Derby is always tense, but Man United having to visit this time could bring an advantage. It sounds unreasonable, but Amorim can apply the pressing trap strategy more easily. Pep Guardiola always wants to press high and control the game, meaning Man City will proactively find the ball right near the opponent's penalty area, whether they are caught or not.
Of course, inviting one of the best teams in the world to fill your own half is extremely risky. However, Amorim's Man United always show courage when facing big teams.
Sesko and the speed problem
Matheus Cunha's muscle injury has left Man United without a player with great individual breakthrough potential. However, Amorim still has many speed options in hand. Sesko could be given a starting spot in the Premier League for the first time, not only adding airpower, it also becomes a fulcrum for the secondary team to exploit.
The opportunity will come in the Derby whether Man City "tays the fish" and presses or not. The problem lies in the fact that M.U must turn counter-attacks into truly quality moves, not disjointed. The efficiency in finishing is the deciding factor. Sesko and Mbeumo will play an important role in the final steps.
