Ruben Amorim’s four-word Man United assessment shows complete U-turn from two months ago

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For the second time in a matter of days, Ruben Amorim inspired Manchester United to a late comeback.

Having come from behind to beat Plzen in the Europa League, Manchester United repeated that trick during Sunday’s 2-1 Manchester derby victory.

Amad Diallo was “electric” for United and single-handedly rescued the game for the Red Devils by winning a late penalty before scoring a dramatic winner just two minutes later.

Ruben Amorim matched Sir Alex Ferguson’s record by becoming the first United head coach to win his first Manchester derby, and he did so by winning it in “Fergie time”.

Against City, there were glimpses of Amorim’s perfect Man United vision with the Red Devils going toe-to-toe with their arch-rivals away from home.

Ruben Amorim praises Man United attitude vs Man City

Prior to kick-off, Amorim raised eyebrows when he made the bold decision to leave Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out the squad.

His explanation for the decision hinted at Rashford and Garnacho not living up to the standards Amorim expects from his players each and every day. “We try to evaluate everything: training, performance, game performance, engagement with the team-mates, pushing the team-mates up,” Amorim said.

Ultimately the decision paid off. Amorim hand-picked a squad he knew would fight for every ball and Amad justified the bold selection choices with his superb display.

After the full-time whistle, Amorim praised the attitude of his players against Manchester City using four important words – “they wanted it more”.

“You can feel we were near to scoring. We improved our speed, when we make our runs and we had some opportunities. We controlled very well Haaland and the other guys in the offence of City,” Amorim told club media.

“In the end, when we scored the first one, you can feel it in the team, they want it more. You feel like we still have minutes and we have the momentum. Congratulations to the lads.”

Man United ‘wanted it more’ than Man City

Just two months ago, Christian Eriksen made concerning comments after drawing to FC Twente in the Europa League.

The United midfielder said: “Being sad also in the changing room, they looked like they wanted it more than us and that can’t be right and I think personally, you score a goal and you think you’re a matchwinner but then it’s the other way.”

Eriksen’s comments were a brutal reflection of the weak mentality of this United side under Erik ten Hag.

READ MORE: How Ruben Amorim comments on Garnacho and Rashford compare to what Erik ten Hag said about Jadon Sancho

However, under Amorim those mentality issues are being addressed and the Portuguese was clearly happy with the approach his players had.

United proved Gary Neville wrong with their strong mentality on Sunday. Not only did United win against a Big Six side away from home, but they came from behind to do so.