Manchester United head coach Rúben Amorim has offered a blunt assessment ahead of this weekend’s high-stakes derby against Manchester City in the Premier League, stating that his own club is dealing with more serious issues than their cross-town rivals.

"We want to win this game, we want to improve in the league table and especially we want to win games. We are going to have full focus on this game.," Amorim said during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash, which kicks off at 17:30 CET.

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"City’s problems? I’m more focused on our problems. I think we have bigger problems than Manchester City. They had that run in that moment but they improved. They can play in different ways. It’s really hard to understand how and to think how they are going to face us. They have maybe the best coach in the world and they have top players, so it will be a difficult match but like I said I’m so focused on improving my team that I’m not worried about the improvements of Manchester City."

The Portuguese manager was also quick to downplay his side’s previous victory over City, calling it no more than a footnote without silverware to back it up.

"I don’t see one win as a special moment. A special moment is to be really competitive and to win titles, that is the biggest moment. Winning games, you can win… even in third division you can win against the best team in the country so I don’t see it that way."

Manchester United go into Sunday’s derby with hopes of bouncing back into top form — but Amorim knows the path to restoring the club’s former glory will require much more than a single result.