Manchester Derby Misery: United’s Struggles Deepen Under Amorim

Manchester City demolished Manchester United 3-0 in the 197th Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with the result adding further pressure on head coach Rúben Amorim and illustrating the depth of United’s struggles so far this season.

Erling Haaland scored twice, and Phil Foden grabbed a first-half header to condemn United to a performance that exposed many of the weaknesses Amorim’s side have shown since the campaign began.

City nearly struck inside 20 seconds but broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Jérémy Doku penetrated United’s defence and crossed for Foden, who met the ball with a composed header past United’s debutant goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. After the break, Foden and Doku again linked in the build-up to Haaland’s first, before a costly misplaced pass by Harry Maguire allowed Bernardo Silva to tee up Haaland for City’s third on 69 minutes.

United’s only glimpse of promise came when Donnarumma produced a sharp save from Bryan Mbeumo, but throughout the match, they were unable to match City’s intensity or threaten in a meaningful way.

United’s Season Under Amorim: Problems Intensified

This defeat reflects patterns that have emerged since Amorim’s appointment. Tactical rigidity and inconsistency: United often appear stuck between different styles, sometimes pressing high, other times retreating without executing either approach effectively.

Defensive lapses, errors continue to prove costly. The Maguire turnover for City’s third goal typified United’s vulnerability under pressure.

Lack of midfield control, United are routinely overrun in the middle of the park, especially by aggressive, well-organised teams like City and Arsenal.

Attacking ineffectiveness, Goal threats are rare. With Rashford and others yet to produce consistent performances, United have struggled to convert possession or build momentum in attack.

Psychological fragility. Once behind, United has frequently failed to recover. The derby was no different conceding early under pressure seemed to deflate the side.

Analysis of Manchester United’s First Game Against Arsenal

The shortcomings displayed against City closely mirrored United’s earlier fixture at Arsenal. Coming just weeks after united opening-day loss to Arsenal, the result highlighted recurring flaws in Rúben Amorim’s side,defensive fragility, inconsistency in midfield, and a lack of conviction in front of goal.

United’s defensive structure was exposed, especially in transitions and late in the game.

Arsenal’s tactical clarity and composure contrasted sharply with United’s struggles to adapt to pressure.

While City’s win reinforces their title credentials, United now face mounting questions about Amorim’s ability to steady a ship that seems increasingly adrift. With the derby loss added to earlier defeats against top-opposition, United’s ambitions for a top-four finish look under serious threat.

Unless there is a rapid turnaround improvements in discipline, tactical coherence, attacking threat, and mental resilience United risk sliding further down the Premier League table, increasing the pressure on Amorim and his staff.