Manchester United’s Tactical Shift: Amorim’s Set-Piece Strategy Pays Off

Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace recently, a result that offered a glimpse into Ruben Amorim’s evolving strategy. Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount both struck in the second half, overturning an early deficit. It’s a positive sign, even if one swallow doesn’t make a summer.

Early on, United pressed high. Casemiro, often a threat from set plays, had two early chances. Dean Henderson, Palace’s keeper (and a former Red Devil), denied him the opener initially, followed by a header that sailed just wide. These missed opportunities, however, hinted at United’s attacking intent.
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Palace, though, found their footing. Mateta proved a handful, testing Senne Lammens in goal and narrowly missing another one-on-one opportunity. Eventually, Leny Yoro’s clumsy foul handed Palace a penalty. Mateta converted on the second attempt after a technicality with the first kick. VAR giveth, and VAR taketh away, only to giveth again.

Something needed to change at halftime. United, lacking injured forwards like Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, needed a spark. That spark came, surprisingly, from set-pieces.

Joshua Zirkzee, a player previously on the fringes, equalized with a stunning volley from Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick. The angle was tight, the connection perfect. Was this a fluke, or a sign of things to come? I’m inclined to believe it’s the latter.
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Only nine minutes later, Mason Mount powered a low drive through the Palace defense, assisted again by Fernandes. That second goal marked a complete turnaround. Fernandes now holds the record for most assists for Manchester United. Credit where it’s due.

These goals underscore a crucial shift: Manchester United are becoming a force from set-pieces. Amorim’s training ground work is bearing fruit. They are currently among the league leaders in goals scored from dead-ball situations. Considering where they were last season, it’s a noteworthy improvement.

Last season, United ranked in the bottom half of the Premier League for set-piece goals. Amorim’s emphasis on Fernandes’ delivery and utilizing the team’s height is clearly working. Given United’s struggles to score from open play, maximizing set-piece opportunities becomes paramount. It’s not always pretty, but it can be effective.

The second half saw United control the game, but they failed to add a third goal to seal the victory. This clinical edge is still missing. The return of Lisandro Martinez from a long-term ACL injury offers a boost defensively, yet the attacking questions linger. Can United consistently create chances, and more importantly, can they convert them?

This Crystal Palace victory, while welcome, doesn’t erase the previous struggles. The team still shows inconsistencies. However, the focus on set-pieces appears to be a tangible improvement under Amorim. It’s a tactical tweak that could unlock more points this season, especially against stubborn opponents. The long-term success of this strategy will depend on consistency and continued development of attacking options beyond set-plays.

Looking ahead, the challenge for Amorim lies in integrating these set-piece routines seamlessly into a more fluid attacking system. Relying solely on dead-ball situations isn’t sustainable. Opponents will adapt, and United need to evolve. To that end, the development of young players and the integration of new signings will prove crucial.

We also have to consider player fatigue in the latter part of the season. Set piece success early on is not indicative of guaranteed later performance.

From my perspective, having seen similar tactical shifts in other leagues, the key is adaptability. Can Amorim adjust his approach when opponents neutralize the set-piece threat? Can he find alternative ways to unlock defenses? These are the questions that will define his tenure at Manchester United.

Ultimately, this win against Crystal Palace buys Amorim some time and offers fans a reason for cautious optimism. The set-piece strategy offers a blueprint for success, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. The bigger picture requires a more comprehensive attacking philosophy and a squad capable of executing it consistently. Time will tell if Amorim can deliver.

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Keywords: Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Set-Piece Strategy, Crystal Palace, Joshua Zirkzee, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Premier League