Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United delivered a tactical masterclass to secure a dramatic 2-1 win against Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Sunday, December 15. Late strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo turned the game on its head, deepening Pep Guardiola’s woes.
This defeat marks just one win for Guardiola in his last 11 matches, a stark contrast to his previous dominance. Amorim’s meticulous tactical approach not only stifled City’s attacking prowess but also exposed their vulnerabilities, leading to a memorable victory at the Etihad Stadium.
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Diallo Shines in a Dramatic Derby
Manchester United appeared destined for a third consecutive league loss when Josko Gvardiol’s header gave City the lead in the 36th minute. However, the match took a dramatic turn late in the second half. Diallo, capitalizing on Matheus Nunes’s catastrophic back pass, won a penalty in the 88th minute. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted to equalize. Moments later, Diallo sealed the win with a brilliant finish from a tight angle, sending United fans into raptures and ensuring the game would be remembered as the “Diallo Derby.”
Post-match, Diallo expressed his elation: “The second half, we pressed good, we wanted to win, this is the derby … we showed today we can win every game and we are very happy to win today.”
Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Blueprint
Amorim’s game plan was rooted in discipline and compactness, a key factor in neutralizing City’s usually fluid attack. United’s front three, including Diallo and Fernandes, stayed narrow and compact, limiting space for City’s key midfielders, Gvardiol and Ilkay Gundogan. This forced City to rely on wider areas, a tactic Amorim’s men were well-prepared to counter.
While City’s midfield duo, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, tried to roam and create openings, United’s defensive line maintained their shape. Lisandro Martinez stepped out aggressively to close down De Bruyne, further reducing City’s central spaces. This tactical discipline ensured United controlled the tempo, restricting Guardiola’s side to speculative passes and limited penetration.
Pressing and Compactness: Key to Nullifying City’s Build-up
Amorim implemented a focused pressing strategy when City attempted to build from the back. Guardiola’s back three pushed wide to stretch United, but Amorim’s men were quick to react. When the ball reached Nunes, United applied immediate pressure, forcing errors and turnovers.
United’s forwards played a crucial role in this setup. By tucking in, they limited City’s central build-up and forced play to the flanks. This compact approach allowed midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte to mark City’s roaming playmakers without losing shape.
Amorim’s bravery in defensive pressing was evident when United faced City’s deep possession. Instead of sitting back, Mazraoui pushed up on Jeremy Doku, while Rasmus Hojlund marked central spaces rather than pressing Ederson. This clever shift reduced City’s passing options and disrupted their rhythm.
Exploiting Wide Areas for Progression
Manchester United’s offensive progression was another highlight of Amorim’s strategy. Recognizing City’s pressing strengths, United relied on combinations out wide to bait City’s midfielders and create space in the half-spaces. When City’s defenders, such as Kyle Walker, pushed up to close down United’s full-backs, it opened space for United’s central midfielders to receive passes and switch play.
This tactical pattern of overloading wide areas, drawing the press, and then switching play was executed effectively. Though United have struggled with build-up under pressure in recent seasons, this match showcased their gradual improvement in that department.
A Defensive Masterclass Against Haaland
Amorim’s defensive structure was equally commendable, particularly in nullifying Erling Haaland. Harry Maguire dominated aerial duels, preventing the Norwegian striker from influencing the game.
City’s decision to play direct balls to Haaland was met with resolute defending, as Maguire and Martinez handled the threat with composure.
City’s Slump and Guardiola’s Struggles
City’s inability to respond in the second half highlighted their recent decline. Bernardo Silva’s candid post-match comments reflected the frustration within Guardiola’s camp: “In minute 87 in a derby and you are winning 1-0 and have a corner and the ball ends up as a penalty for them, if you make these stupid decisions you deserve to pay for that.”
With just one shot on target in the second half, City’s attacking inefficiency was glaring. Their lack of creativity and defensive lapses have now resulted in eight defeats in their last 11 games, a worrying trend for Guardiola as they sit fifth in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Ruben Amorim’s first Manchester derby victory was a triumph of tactical acumen and discipline. By compacting central spaces, applying aggressive pressing, and exploiting City’s wide defensive gaps, Amorim exposed Guardiola’s tactical shortcomings. While Manchester United remain in the bottom half, this result provides hope for a revival. For Guardiola and Manchester City, the slump continues, and questions surrounding their recent form will only grow louder. This derby not only belonged to United but also cemented Amorim’s arrival as a manager capable of outwitting the very best.
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FAQs
How did Ruben Amorim secure his first Manchester derby victory?
Ruben Amorim’s tactical adjustments, including compacting the midfield and exploiting City’s errors, were key to Manchester United’s 2-1 comeback win.
What role did Amad Diallo play in the match?
Amad Diallo turned the game around with his pressing, earning a late penalty for Bruno Fernandes’ equalizer and scoring the winner with a tight-angle finish.
Why has Pep Guardiola struggled in recent matches?
Guardiola’s Manchester City have won just 1 of their last 11 games, facing issues in breaking compact defenses and capitalizing on attacking opportunities.
What tactical strategy helped United nullify City’s attack?
United’s front three stayed compact, limiting space for City’s midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, while Lisandro Martinez aggressively closed down play.
How did United improve their build-up play under pressure?
United effectively baited City’s press by using wide combinations to find spare midfielders, creating chances through switches and overloads.
