It was a derby to forget for Manchester United as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City ran out 3-0 winners at the Etihad. For United boss Ruben Amorim, the result underlined the challenges he faces in making his philosophy work in the Premier League. His record now stands at eight wins from 31 league matches, and questions over his rigid approach are growing louder.
City’s victory was not simply down to Erling Haaland’s brace and Phil Foden’s strike, but to a carefully constructed tactical plan that exploited United’s structural weaknesses. Guardiola’s ability to adapt his system contrasted sharply with Amorim’s insistence on sticking to his principles, and it was in this contrast that the game was won and lost.
City’s Midfield Overload
One of Guardiola’s key ploys was to create a four-against-two in midfield. Much of City’s play was focused down the left, with left-back Nico O’Reilly holding the width on the touchline. This forced United wing-back Noussair Mazraoui to defend wide spaces, leaving Jeremy Doku free to drift inside.
With Doku joining Rodri, Phil Foden, and Tijjani Reijnders in central areas, City had a numerical advantage against United’s midfield duo of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte. United’s right-sided centre-back Leny Yoro tried to step out to support the press, but his half-measures often left gaps behind him. The result was a disjointed press, and City were consistently able to find a free man in midfield.
United’s Disjointed Press
United captain Bruno Fernandes admitted afterward that his team needed to be braver with their pressing. In his words: “City take that risk against us – we need to do the same.”
But Amorim’s system, which tasks wide centre-backs with stepping up to cover midfield overloads, left players caught between two decisions. Yoro, for instance, hesitated between marking Foden or closing down Doku. That uncertainty gave City’s creators the time and space to progress the ball with ease.
Clever Pinning by City
City also used pinning effectively to stretch United’s defensive structure. By holding O’Reilly wide, Guardiola ensured Mazraoui was tied to the touchline, freeing Doku to operate centrally. On the opposite flank, Reijnders positioned himself close to Luke Shaw, preventing him from stepping out of the back five.
This manipulation of United’s defenders allowed Doku to receive the ball unopposed, leading directly to City’s opening goal. It was a simple but devastating tactical tool that United never solved.
United’s Midfield Tracking Issues
Another recurring flaw for United was their midfield’s failure to track runners. For City’s first goal, Fernandes and Ugarte were positioned deep, but neither picked up Foden’s late burst into the box. The same issue was evident earlier this season when Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe scored in similar fashion.
Fernandes offers energy and creativity, but his defensive instincts are not sharp enough to prevent late midfield arrivals. Guardiola, meanwhile, deployed Foden precisely in that role, reaping the benefits.
Adaptability vs Stubbornness
The wider lesson of the derby was about managerial adaptability. Guardiola showed once again his pragmatism, even hinting at using Gianluigi Donnarumma’s distribution to build more directly when needed. His philosophy remains intact, but the details are flexible enough to suit his players.
Amorim, by contrast, declared after the defeat: “When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.” That defiance may win him respect, but unless his players can execute his system flawlessly, United risk being repeatedly exposed by opponents who have learned how to exploit its weaknesses.
For now, the derby was a reminder of why Guardiola remains at the top of his craft – not simply because of the talent at his disposal, but because he knows how to shape a system that maximises strengths and hides weaknesses. Amorim must learn that lesson quickly, or risk more afternoons like this one at the Etihad.
