Amorim Discusses Manchester City Links, Upcoming Derby, and Squad Focus

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim addressed reporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester City, scheduled for a 16:30 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his statements: Amorim refuted claims that he had engaged in discussions with City regarding the possibility of succeeding Pep Guardiola, stating: “Never. This was my only option. When Manchester United talked to me, I had no doubts because I had already something in my mind that it could be a possibility.” The United manager also indicated that he is not preoccupied with City’s recent inconsistent performance, remarking: “No, I never think about these things. We will face a great opponent and I’m more focused on our problems. So we have a lot of issues here, so I’m more focused on what we should do on Sunday to win the game.” Amorim acknowledged the significance of the derby, though he noted that this particular encounter holds a somewhat different meaning for him: “Yeah, I’m really focused on the details. I just want to improve the team so I cannot live it like a normal derby, like it should be – two great teams fighting for the title. And it’s not that in this moment. So it’s just one more game with a very good opponent.” Amorim has previously secured a victory against Manchester City this season, but he maintained that the 4-1 win achieved while he was managing Sporting will not influence the preparations for the upcoming match, stating: “No. The great teams can respond at any moment – and I think they are in a better place than us in the type of understanding the game, the way they play and the confidence they have. We will have a strategy: try to win the game with the strategy like it should be.” Regarding player availability, Jonny Evans, who was absent from Thursday’s victory over Viktoria Plzen, has returned to training. Amorim commented: “I think everyone is going to be fit and ready to win the game.” Further updates from Friday’s Premier League news conferences and other football news from the day will be available. Full match commentary for Manchester City versus Manchester United will be broadcast starting at 16:30 GMT on Sunday via BBC Radio 5 Live. Sandi Toksvig will be joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Listeners will have the opportunity to sing along to tracks from artists such as Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and others. Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are set to return for the festive celebrations at Longleat Safari Park. Topics ranging from microplastics in our air, soil, and waterways to the current levels of food waste will be explored. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.