Phil Foden’s opener and Erling Haaland’s braces sealed off the hosts’ comfortable victory, and Pep Guardiola’s team seemed to have rediscovered Mojo – experiencing back-to-back defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion before an international break.
It was when the Red Devils won the first of 13 Premier League titles, but Amorim can dream of having such a high-ranking ambition this time around.
Looking back at the game, he told Sky Sports:
“In these types of games, small margins make a difference because there are fewer top teams. The performance isn’t good. At certain moments, they were better than us.
“We’re playing against one coach who has won six Premier League titles and building things up trying to compete against these teams. I’m not going to defend myself. It’s always the same question, I’m trying to defend myself.
“If you look at the game, last year we drew against the city and won, and today we got a little better, but the details were clearly not enough. We’re building things, but of course we need to win.”
The Portuguese emphasizes that he cannot blame his efforts on his part, and says he is responsible for his players to deepen their in-game understanding of the top team.
“We didn’t see one player on our team not giving the most,” Amorim said. “The rest is with me. Disappointment sometimes feels we can run more, but today I didn’t have that feeling. It’s my fault, not their fault, I’m fine with it.
“I know it’s difficult for our fans, but again, I can’t refer to one player (not shortage). I can improve the intelligence of the game, but that’s my fault and I can improve it.”
Amorim also solidly defended his own approach at a post-match press conference.
“I will do everything I can for Man United,” Amorim said. “This is my message to the fans. I’m suffering more than they do.
“I will not change philosophy. If they (Ineos) want to change that, you will change a man.”
United will finish the month on September 27th with a match at Brentford after returning to Premier League action against Chelsea at Old Trafford next Saturday.
