Manchester United and Manchester City are falling apart and this derby proves it | OneFootball

Manchester Derby, Matchday 31, Old Trafford, a packed house. But do not be deceived, this is not the same story as in the past. The situation has changed now, even absurd to those who grew up watching these two teams reverse roles at the top of the table. Manchester City, who have accumulated titles in recent seasons, steps out onto the field with slim expectations of bringing home the trophy. Manchester United, well down in another abysmal season, is 13th, trying not to be humiliated once more. What divides them from the others, once measured in grandeur, is now mere survival. One side is trying to stave off disintegration. The other is trying to salvage remnants of a side which won on a consistent basis.

The fall of two colossi

With 37 points on the table and nine matches to play for, discovering Manchester United so low on the table no longer surprises, it is now a routine. With not even a faint hope of competing in European matches, the club now has sights set on mid-table with modesty, the modest attitude of the club realizing greater is mere fantasy. Rúben Amorim, who took on a tough job, is doing his best to stay composed as the roster crumbles with injuries. Shaw, Martínez, Mainoo, Amad Diallo, all out. Absences have become part of the backdrop. And even facing a weakened rival, the tone is grounded. “We’ve got bigger problems than Manchester City,” Amorim said bluntly.

In contrast, Manchester City is having one of those years where everything doesn't seem to go right. Out of contention for the title, they're finding it tough to stay in the top four. Fifth spot, a point behind Chelsea, has been a letdown for a team used to running at everything. And while the position still guarantees a Champions League place, there's a sense something was sacrificed along the way. The gears aren't shifting quite the same. Extended periods away for Rodri and, crucially, Haaland have exacted a cost. Omar Marmoush is filling the gap as best he can, but to draw the comparison, not even remotely, is unjust.

End of an era, with name and legacy

Kevin De Bruyne. The one whose name assisted in City gaining its identity in recent years will be leaving the club at the close of the season. And this derby will be his last encounter at Old Trafford donning a blue jersey. Even Pep Guardiola himself acknowledged the seriousness of the occasion: "Kevin is a special person and a special player. We talked about it a few days ago. It was nice. We've always had a special relationship."

Amorim won't sell dreams

When asked whether winning his first derby against City had been the highlight of his United tenure so far, Amorim deflected: “I don’t know, it’s hard. Sometimes, I’m very happy with the little things. A special moment is truly being competitive and winning titles.” The Portuguese coach isn’t trying to sugarcoat anything. And he shouldn’t. Winning a derby, by itself, doesn’t turn a disastrous season into redemption.

Manchester United, under Amorim's stewardship, seems to understand that it needs to start all over again. No talk of revenge, no derby-day rubbish. Simply a realistic attempt at coping with a mauled, weakened team and avoiding a complete meltdown. "One game at a time", that is the slogan. And maybe that is the only realistic road left to travel.

The most low-key derby of the decade

This may be the quietest showdown between these two sides in years. No title on the line. No dramatic comebacks. No fight for dominance. Two sides just trying to close out a season without completely crashing and burning. United, trying to outrun the ghost of failure. City, trying to maintain some degree of performance as it bids adieu to one of the brightest pieces in its recent history.