Man City vs Man Utd: Whose Rebuild Looks More Promising This Premier League Season? Guardiola or Amorim?

Manchester City and Manchester United both find themselves in transition, each chasing stability and success under different circumstances. As the Manchester derby at the Etihad looms this Sunday, live on Sky at 4.30pm, the spotlight falls firmly on the progress of their respective projects.

The Shifting Landscape in Manchester

The winds of change are undeniable. For the first time in four years, the Premier League trophy sits elsewhere, leaving Pep Guardiola with the challenge of reclaiming dominance after lifting the title six times in eight years. Now in his 9th season, which is his longest tenure at any club, Guardiola faces the task of reshaping City for fresh glory.

On the other side of the city, United’s rebuild narrative is far more familiar. Ruben Amorim, the sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, is entrusted with reigniting the club’s past brilliance. While Guardiola works on rejuvenating a dynasty, Amorim must prove that last season’s 15th-place finish was nothing more than an early misstep.

Signs of Growth at United

United’s start to the season has been mixed. An opening loss to Arsenal carried flashes of optimism, but a squandered lead at Fulham and a Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby quickly dampened the mood. After that penalty shoot-out defeat, Amorim admitted “something had to change,” sparking speculation about his commitment before clarifying that his words were emotional, not definitive.

Despite patchy results, United’s performances hint at progress. They’ve managed the highest expected goals tally, the most shots, and the most chances created in the league so far, even if just one goal from open play has materialized. Four efforts against the woodwork show how close they’ve come.

New arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have injected energy into the attack, while Amorim’s shift towards a more direct style is evident, with United leading the league in completed long passes. Their fight has also improved, ranking among the best in duels and aerial battles, which are traits often criticized in past squads.

The recent win over Burnley eased pressure, but the derby will be the real benchmark. Encouragingly for United, Amorim is unbeaten against Guardiola in three meetings, including two wins, one of which came just before his Old Trafford appointment.

City’s Stuttering Start

City, meanwhile, endured their lowest points total under Guardiola last season in a campaign without silverware. A summer overhaul followed, but the early signs remain troubling, with Guardiola enduring his slowest league start since 2008.

The departure of Kevin De Bruyne marked the beginning of a new era, with reinforcements such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders joining a refreshed squad. Yet, just one league win so far tells its own story.

Changes off the pitch have also shaped City’s approach. Pep Lijnders, formerly Jurgen Klopp’s assistant at Liverpool, has joined the backroom staff, bringing elements of Klopp’s high-octane style. City’s pressing and offside traps have been more aggressive. At the same time, their counter-attacking play, highlighted by Reijnders’ strike against Wolves, resembles Liverpool at their peak rather than the controlled possession usually associated with Guardiola.

Individually, flair has been encouraged, with City topping the league in take-ons thanks to the influence of players like Cherki and Oscar Bobb. Yet, despite Rodri’s return, Guardiola’s side has struggled to dictate matches, surrendering a lead against Brighton and being outclassed by Tottenham. For a coach obsessed with control, this will be his greatest concern.

What the Derby Could Reveal

For the first time in five years, United head into the derby above City in the table. Injuries to key City players, including Marmoush and Cherki, further tilt the narrative. Combined with Amorim’s impressive record against Guardiola, United may feel confident.

Still, both clubs enter the clash needing a statement win. Derby matches are often unpredictable, but given the shaky starts, Sunday’s result could prove pivotal in judging the direction and legitimacy of both rebuilds.