Ruben Amorim has shared a vibrant tribute to Kevin De Bruyne just ahead of what’s shaping up to be a thrilling Manchester Derby. The midfielder is set to depart Manchester City after a decade of dazzling displays. With the Belgian’s final derby looming large at Old Trafford this Sunday, Amorim didn’t hold back in acknowledging the impact of the 33-year-old, injecting his signature straightforwardness with a touch of playful warmth.
“That is easy, he was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, no doubt,” Amorim stated directly, his respect for De Bruyne evident. Showing his open-minded understanding of football’s cyclical nature, he added, “The time passes for everyone, so it is a natural thing.”
But the charismatic manager couldn’t resist a lighthearted jab at the geographical lines of Manchester’s footballing rivalry. “He improved the league. He was on the wrong side of Manchester!” Amorim quipped with a smile, demonstrating his vibrant personality. “So I wish him good luck, it was a pleasure to see him in Portugal a lot of times. I hope he enjoys the rest of his life.” This unexpected connection to De Bruyne’s past added an insightful layer to his comments.
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As the 196th Manchester derby approaches, the stark reality of the Premier League table sees United trailing City by a significant 14 points and eight places. However, Amorim, ever the focused strategist, was reluctant to delve into comparisons with Pep Guardiola’s formidable squad.
“I am more focused on our problems,” he stated straightforwardly. “I think we have bigger problems than Manchester City.” This grounded perspective showcased his warm dedication to his own team’s progress.
Demonstrating his insightful understanding of their opponent, Amorim acknowledged City’s tactical flexibility. “They can play in different ways. It is really hard to think how they can face us. They have maybe the best coach in the world. They have top players but I am so focused on my team, just trying to understand how Manchester City are going to play.”
While Amorim celebrated a victory in his first Manchester derby back in December, he remained grounded, refusing to let past success inflate expectations for the upcoming clash. “I don’t know, it’s hard,” he admitted openly. “Sometimes I am really happy with the small things. I don’t see one win as a special moment. Special moment is to be competitive, to win titles.” This perspective highlights his long-term vision and his understanding that consistent performance trumps fleeting victories.
