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Not only did Manchester United produce a stunning come-from-behind win against their noisy neighbours on Sunday but they did so in a manner rarely seen in the recent past.
The Red Devils have beaten Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City under many of their previous managers but in most of those games, United have had to rely on counter-attacks to get the job done.
Not that the method is wrong but the latest derby triumph saw the 20-time English league champions go toe-to-toe with their cross-town rivals, enjoying almost as much of the ball while displaying the same passing frenzy as their opponents at times.
As Diogo Dalot mentioned after the game, for the first time in a long time, the team were in control against City with the win coming despite the absence of their two top scorers this season.
Ugarte renaissance under Amorim
Manuel Ugarte had a huge role to play in the famous victory with the Uruguayan almost everywhere in the middle of the park, fighting for every loose ball.
It was his great first touch and smart backheel that paved the way for Lisandro Martinez to find Amad upfront to score the winner and upon reflection, the summer signing claimed Sunday’s derby was his best performance in a red shirt.
“I think so (best game for United). It was a beautiful game and when you consider who it was against, I am happy with how it went.
“We were confident before the game, optimistic. But I just think forward and to the next game on Thursday,” the Uruguay international was quoted as saying by PA Sports.
It has been far from smooth sailing for the former Paris Saint-Germain star with former Erik ten Hag not trusting him to start games in the beginning.
But ever since his former Sporting Lisbon boss has come to the club, Ugarte’s prospects have taken a turn for the better with the 23-year-old starting in the club’s last three Premier League games.
Working with a coach who trusts him has been a huge boon and the combative midfielder revealed how Amorim’s arrival has galvanised the dressing room with the players looking to take the club back to where it rightfully belongs.
Things changing under Amorim
“There’s a good feeling in the dressing room. It’s a new project with a new coach and it’s very important for us to know what he wants.
“But it’s obvious that United need to be fighting for titles and playing in the Champions League and not be where we are. That’s our objective but we have to get there step-by-step, little-by little, game-by-game.
“Without doubt (we have the quality). You saw on Sunday what this team can do. We have confidence but also humility. We are United.”
Both Ugarte and Amorim will be hoping for consistency moving forward with a huge Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur up next.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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