Pep Guardiola admits he could copy Man Utd on Sunday, praises what Ruben Amorim is already implementing

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Pep Guardiola has been full of praise for the work Ruben Amorim is doing at Manchester United in advance of the Manchester Derby.

After six games in charge of the Red Devils, Ruben Amorim has won three, lost two and drawn one. Which may not have been the dream start to life in England.

However, when compared with Pep Guardiola’s one win in 10, Manchester United are surely favourites heading into Sunday’s derby.

Both managers were away from home in Europe this week, but as Guardiola and City lost 2-0 to Juventus, Amorim got a win for United.

It was a win that helped Amorim avoid his worst-ever losing streak, and handed United much-needed confidence before the biggest game of the new era to date.

Ahead of the match, Guardiola has been speaking to the press and complimented Amorim.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Pep Guardiola praises Ruben Amorim, hints at copying him

Ahead of the derby on Sunday afternoon, City’s manager has been speaking with the press, in which he has hinted that he may actually mimic Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.

“We will think about it and maybe a winger has to play as a full-back or Matheus, or maybe we play with five at the back with wing-backs.”

This would see City match United man for man across the pitch, which could make for an interesting tactical battle, but would also mean there will be a large feeling out period.

Continuing, Guardiola also praised the work Amorim has been doing so far at United, admitting he can already see the patterns of play.

“He is already there, he already starts to do the patterns and the runners. He will do a good job, I am pretty sure of that.”

Amorim getting Guardiola’s backing means very little, but to admit he sees the style of play developing is interesting and bodes well going forward.

Amorim has always asked for patience, and this is yet another reason to give him what he wants.

• READ: Premier League 24/25: Man Utd Fixtures, Start Date, Schedule, International Breaks & More

Manchester United can take advantage of awful Manchester City

This is probably the first Manchester Derby in years where City will not be considered immediate favourites, due to the horrendous run of form they have been on.

With a win this weekend, United could actually move within five points of the Citizens – which would have seemed an impossible feat back in October.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	14	11	2	1	29	11	18	35
2	ChelseaChelsea	15	9	4	2	35	18	17	31
3	ArsenalArsenal	15	8	5	2	29	15	14	29
4	Man CityManchester City	15	8	3	4	27	21	6	27
5	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	15	7	4	4	19	18	1	25
6	Aston VillaAston Villa	15	7	4	4	23	23	0	25
7	BrightonBrighton	15	6	6	3	25	22	3	24
8	B’mouthBournemouth	15	7	3	5	23	20	3	24
9	BrentfordBrentford	15	7	2	6	31	28	3	23
10	FulhamFulham	15	6	5	4	22	20	2	23
11	TottenhamTottenham	15	6	2	7	31	19	12	20
12	NewcastleNewcastle	15	5	5	5	19	21	-2	20
13	Man UtdManchester United	15	5	4	6	19	18	1	19
14	West HamWest Ham	15	5	3	7	20	28	-8	18
15	EvertonEverton	14	3	5	6	14	21	-7	14
16	LeicesterLeicester	15	3	5	7	21	30	-9	14

Despite City being in awful form, the past few games for United have been riddled with individual errors.

Amorim will look back to his Sporting side who thrashed City 4-1 last month, with Guardiola also admitting he is not sure he can fix the issue.

“I don’t know if we will be able to do it for many reasons, but we will see…”