The recent Manchester derby, which ended in a goalless draw, highlighted the lackluster state of both clubs. While some fans criticized the match as one of the worst derbies ever, former United captain Gary Neville expressed frustration, saying it lacked the intensity, risk, and courage expected from a Manchester derby.
United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, pointed out the teams' struggles, emphasizing the difference in expectations compared to past seasons when both teams were fighting for major titles. He acknowledged that the current circumstances make it difficult to deliver thrilling performances.
Despite the criticisms, Amorim and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola both recognized the challenges their teams face this season. Guardiola noted that City’s struggles stemmed from a collective drop in performance, while Amorim admitted that United’s season had been disappointing, with the team not fighting for the major trophies as they once did.
United's lack of goal-scoring ability was highlighted as a major issue, with the team failing to score in 11 of their 31 Premier League games this season. Amorim also pointed to the need for significant improvement in recruitment, especially in areas like wing-backs, central defense, and the forward position.
Roy Keane, another former United captain, was not satisfied with the team's performance, questioning how United could be falling behind teams like Brentford and Crystal Palace. He stressed that a draw in the derby was not enough, as United's ambitions should place them above mid-table teams. The frustration of United fans was also evident, with chants against the Glazer family, the club's American owners, who many supporters hold responsible for the team's current struggles.
Looking ahead, Amorim remains hopeful that the next season will be better for United, acknowledging the challenges of managing the team in its current state. He emphasized the importance of improving the squad in the summer, particularly in addressing key weaknesses. Although the current season has been difficult, he believes that with the right changes, United can start fresh next season and work toward a stronger performance.
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