Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United secured a crucial victory in Sunday’s highly anticipated Premier League derby, defeating Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. The Portuguese manager, in his first derby since joining United last month, inspired his team to overcome recent struggles and claim a morale-boosting win.
United entered the match in 13th place in the Premier League table but showed resilience to pull off an impressive performance against a misfiring City side. Goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes sealed the victory for United, marking their first league win at the Etihad since March 2021.
Speaking after the match, Amorim expressed pride in his team’s determination. “This victory means a lot to us,” he told MUTV. “We’ve been working hard to improve, and today we showed the character and ability this team has. It’s a step forward, but there’s still much to do.”
United’s victory comes just days after their 2-1 Europa League comeback win against Viktoria Plzen, where Hojlund also shone with a brace. Amorim emphasized the importance of consistency following the win. “We’ve had a tough run in the Premier League, but we’re building momentum. These back-to-back victories give us confidence to keep improving.”
Manchester United’s defense held firm against City’s relentless attacks, with goalkeeper Andre Onana making several key saves. The team capitalized on their opportunities, breaking City’s defense twice in a match where every detail mattered.
Pep Guardiola, facing one of his toughest periods since taking charge in 2016, acknowledged United’s performance, saying, “They deserved to win. They were better in key moments, and we need to learn from this.”
Amorim credited the win to his players’ dedication and focus. “I have huge respect for Manchester City, but we were focused on our own game. This team is growing, and we will keep fighting for better results.”
The victory lifts United up the Premier League table and provides a significant boost as they aim to turn their season around under Amorim’s guidance. For the Portuguese manager, the win serves as a statement that United can still compete with the league’s best, even during challenging times.