Ole Gunnar Solskjær tells Rúben Amorim the key to beating Pep Guardiola – Rasmus Højlund may be dropped

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has hinted that the key to beating Pep Guardiola may mean that Rúben Amorim has to drop Rasmus Højlund for the Manchester derby.

Rúben Amorim is set to lead Manchester United into a pivotal Premier League clash against Manchester City, a major test for the club’s new head coach.

United come into the match riding high after a 2-1 comeback victory over FC Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League, with substitute Rasmus Højlund netting both goals. The focus now shifts back to domestic competition during the busy festive schedule.

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Manchester City, on the other hand, are enduring a poor run of form, with just one win in their last ten matches across all competitions. Earlier this season, Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Amorim’s Sporting, a result that still looms large over their campaign.

As City’s bid for a fifth straight Premier League title continues to falter, United will look to deepen their struggles and climb from 13th place in the league when the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium.

Solskjær’s advice to Amorim

Speaking to The Athletic, former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who defeated City away from home three times during his time in charge, has explained that to beat Guardiola, he would be best off playing a striker who drops deep to create space, just as Anthony Martial did for him.

While many expect Højlund to start, Joshua Zirkzee is more in the mould of such a player.

“We were underdogs when I was manager,” Solskjær explained. “I’ve looked at our three consecutive wins there. We averaged 35 per cent possession but still beat them three times away.

“We did that with width and pace. Anto (Anthony Martial) was brilliant in those games. He had a lot of stick but in those matches, he dropped in to create spaces so it was harder for City to defend. He and Bruno Fernandes were very important in possession.”

“They batter you in the beginning. Good possession, width. You expect an onslaught but in the 2021 game, we started well, scored and surprised them. We set up a team to stop them.

“City have dominated so many games against United so you are trying to do what you can so fans can hold their heads up high in work the next day. What I did — and what Erik ten Hag did in the 2024 FA Cup final — was set up a team to hurt them when they are out of balance.

“Guardiola was always respectful and I have huge respect for him, he’s an incredible manager. But for any manager to beat him, that’s a moment to cherish. And we did it three times on the bounce. We should’ve played away at City every weekend!

“I joke, but the wins felt good. City and Liverpool are the two games for United fans — and they’re the worst when you lose.”

Zirkzee starting is unlikely

Despite the advice, it’s unlikely that Amorim would choose to start Zirkzee over Højlund considering the Danish international’s fantastic form since the new head coach arrived.

Højlund has five goals in five appearances for Amorim, four of which have come in the Europa League, with no player having more goals in that period.

While the 21-year-old is yet to kick off in the Premier League properly, his double during midweek is expected to secure him a starting spot in the upcoming derby.

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