Climate friendly Manchester United and Manchester City are flipping their managerial priorities. One thing is for certain — both clubs are hell-bent on getting back to where they’ve both been before. Manchester United recently appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach, marking the sixth permanent managerial change in their quest to regain past success. Pep Guardiola, for all of his early managerial success, is preparing for his first big Manchester City reboot. The club’s discontent has lingered through a poor start to the current season.
As the new year gets underway, it’s clear that the two teams have taken different approaches and seen different results in their first few matches. Manchester United’s new attacking trio, including Jadon Sancho, are keen to rediscover their scoring touch. On the flip side, Manchester City has begun the season as poorly as they have since 2008. With contrasting narratives unfolding at both clubs, the question arises: which rebuild holds greater promise for the future?
Manchester United’s Ambitious Rebuild
Ruben Amorim’s hiring as Manchester United permanent head coach represents change for the club, moving away from the past. He hopes to recapture the glory that once adorned the crest of the team and has already had an effect off the pitch. Sheffield United’s new manager Chris Wilder During his short tenure so far, United have proven unfortunate, hitting the woodwork four times in their first three matches. This near-miss stat is a reflection of their increasing attacking threat, although they are still looking to turn chances into goals.
Amorim’s tactical genius has shown through, especially considering that he pulled off a double against Pep Guardiola in the 2024/25 season. His strategies have led to Manchester United leading the Premier League in long passes completed, showcasing their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack. They have been equally outstanding in the physical duels. Only one team has beaten them in duels and aerial duels won.
“Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years.” – Ruben Amorim
His deep-level commitment to the club indicates a long-term play here. United’s forward line, revamped under his watch, aims to improve upon previous seasons’ goal returns. These attacking philosophies and the player connection on the pitch might be the spark to Manchester United’s second coming. They are intent on regaining their place alongside the best in England.
Manchester City’s Struggles Under Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is treading on dubious ground. For Pep Guardiola, this is the first big reboot of his managerial career — one that he’s starting at Manchester City. Since the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, the club has had a tumultuous start to the season. That is their worst start to a league campaign since 2008.
Despite these challenges, Guardiola’s side has showcased remarkable skill, completing the most take-ons of any team in the Premier League. This one ability is a major reflection of Manchester City’s ability to continue an attack minded philosophy in the wake of heavy turnover. Absentees, most notably Marmoush and Rayan Cherki, have complicated their early attempts to form a style and an identity.
Guardiola’s tactical philosophy continues to evolve as he adapts to his squad’s new dynamics. In the past few games, critics have pointed to a change in style that would be a break from his usual modus operandi.
“But one of the goals was what you’d think of as a counter-attack, not maybe a Pep Guardiola goal. They win it, and then they’re off.” – [source not explicitly mentioned]
This comment reflects the adjustments Guardiola may be compelled to make as he redefines his team’s identity following significant player departures.
Comparing Early Season Performances
As both clubs continue on their respective journeys this season, their recent performances provide a vivid picture of what awaits each over the coming months. Manchester United seemingly would be on an upward trajectory with Amorim at the wheel. The way that this team is generating chances and clearly winning their individual battles means that this team is going in the right direction and is on the path to rejuvenation.
Manchester City’s have been early failures at learning how to come back from a poor opening few weeks. Their respective average league positions further highlight the gap in effectiveness on the pitch. As United continues to show signs of development and flexibility, City will need to shore up their defenses fast or risk getting left in the dust.
Tactical evolution in real time This past weekend, Jamie Carragher highlighted the subtle tactical changes that have been occurring in matches, relative to how teams adjust tactically within matches.
“It felt like in the game, it’s almost like a little bit of an obsession, certainly in the first half, about catching them offside.” – Jamie Carragher
Such observations highlight the tactical battles that unfold each week as teams strive for dominance in an increasingly competitive league.
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