Manchester derby: United boss Amorim has the key to unlocking City

Manchester United take on City in what is set to be a very unusual clash with both sides struggling in the Premier League.

Forget title implications this time as right now it is a match where the debate can be over which team is playing worse.

For a decade now, United have had to put up with a situation where they have been in the shadows of City's success.

And this time around, it's a clash of titans, both stumbling through a season that has seen their dominance crumble.

United, languishing in 13th place with their lowest points total after 15 matches in Premier League history, are a shadow of their former selves.

City, meanwhile, are experiencing a slump unprecedented under Pep Guardiola, with just one win in their last ten matches.

This is the first Premier League Manchester derby in years where neither side is even remotely close to the summit.

The usual talk of title challenges and "being back" has been replaced by whispers of crisis and uncertainty.

Guardiola's men, once a relentless force, are suddenly vulnerable.

Their defence, once impenetrable, is leaking goals. Their attack, once prolific, has sputtered.

The loss to Juventus in the Champions League was a stark reminder of their current fragility.

Ruben Amorim, the new man at the helm, is still searching for the right formula.

The Portuguese tactician, known for his attacking philosophy, is trying to rebuild a team that has been plagued by inconsistency.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner recently provided a blueprint for how to exploit City's current vulnerabilities.

"We knew we can play a higher intensity [than City] - all the data showed this," Glasner said.

"We knew when we get into the transitions, we'd get in behind. There was so much space on the opposite side next to [Ilkay] Gundogan."

Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, with its two attacking midfielders, could be perfectly suited to exploit these weaknesses.

Amad Diallo, with his explosive pace and dribbling ability, could be key in unlocking City's defense.

Amorim's former side, Sporting, famously dismantled City in the Champions League earlier this season.

Their strategy? Hit City on the counter-attack, exploiting the space left by their high defensive line and overloading the midfield.

If United can force a counter-attack, City's stretched midfield, with a single holding midfielder, could be easily overrun.

Amad and his attacking partner could then exploit the space behind the City defence, just as Sporting did so effectively.

This weekend's derby is a clash of two wounded giants. Neither team is playing at their best, and both are searching for answers.

Will United be able to capitalize on City's vulnerabilities? Can Amorim outsmart Guardiola and secure a vital victory?

One thing is certain: this is a derby unlike any other. The stakes may not be as high as in previous seasons, but the pride and bragging rights are still very much up for grabs.