Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that his team needs to improve in all areas after a lackluster derby against Manchester City ended 0-0 on Sunday.
City’s hopes of Champions League qualification remain uncertain as they sit fifth in the Premier League, just two points above Newcastle, who have two games in hand. United, on the other hand, are struggling in 13th place.
“We have so many aspects to improve,” Amorim said. “Everywhere we need to improve in every aspect: build-up, transition, decisions in the final third.”
The match was characterized by a lack of quality, intensity, and fight, summing up a disappointing season for both Manchester teams.
City’s form has slumped after a record four consecutive league titles, while United’s only chance of Champions League qualification is by winning the Europa League.
United captain Bruno Fernandes acknowledged that his team needs to develop a “killer instinct” to capitalize on their chances. “We just need to have a bit more of a killer instinct,” he said. “In the first half, we had too many touches when we just needed one.”
City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who started despite announcing his departure from the club at the end of the season, was a shadow of his former self.
The Belgian’s performance was a far cry from his usual standards, and City struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Pep Guardiola admitted that his team was not good enough to punish United, but was pleased to take a point from the derby. “We take the point,” he said. “It would be better to win, but still, we are there.”
The draw leaves both teams with a lot to prove in the remaining months of the season, with City and United fighting to avoid their worst-ever Premier League finishes.
