Rasmus Hojlund scores twice but still unhappy after Man Utd victory
- Bernardo Silva criticized Manchester City after their 2-1 loss to Manchester United, emphasizing the team's need for improvement and better decision-making.
- Phil Foden supported Silva's views, noting persistent mental challenges affecting their performance as they seek to rebuild.
- The commentary from City players highlights systemic issues within the team, underscoring the urgency for a turnaround.
In the recent Manchester derby held on December 15, 2024, Bernardo Silva voiced strong criticism of his Manchester City teammates following a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. This marked yet another disappointing outcome for City, which has struggled with only one victory in their last eleven matches across all competitions. Silva highlighted the mistakes made by the team during critical moments of the game, particularly addressing a penalty conceded in the final minutes that led to their downfall. He emphasized the need for individual and collective improvement to meet the high standards expected of a club like Manchester City. Alongside Silva, Phil Foden shared similar sentiments, stating that the team's struggles have begun to feel like a mental block, and urged his teammates to unite and focus on rebuilding. He acknowledged that while the initial losses might not signify a problem, the constant poor performances have shifted the mindset of the team, making it crucial to recover and find winning ways again. In a contrasting narrative, Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez praised manager Ruben Amorim for instilling passion and focus in the squad. Having stepped in for the recently sidelined Harry Maguire, Martinez expressed confidence in Amorim's approach and energy, marking a positive shift in the club's dynamics during a critical phase of the season. The players’ performance against Viktoria Plzen earlier that week included a heated exchange between teammates Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund, which Martinez assured was a sign of healthy competition among the players. As Manchester United prepares for more challenging fixtures ahead, the discussions around team dynamics, coaching methods, and performance standards remain central. The clash with Manchester City was pivotal, shining a light on City’s urgent need to resolve their deficiencies quickly if they wish to regain their status at the top of the Premier League, while United is hopeful for a turnaround under Amorim’s renewed guidance.