Crystal Palace v Manchester United: Why patient build-up is vital for Amorim’s men

After a humbling 1-0 home defeat against 10-man Everton, Manchester United will want to bounce back in a tough away fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Eagles are lying fifth in the table but the Red Devils could leapfrog over them if they were to claim all three points. Victory would also send out a message that Monday’s debacle was just a bump in the road as United continue to progress under the Portuguese.

Tactically, Palace’s physicality and direct transitions mean United have to be precise and disciplined in their approach, something that head coach Ruben Amorim’s men have struggled to achieve.

Dictating play

United must control the early rhythm. Selhurst Park is a cauldron when Palace get momentum, so Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes should slow the game with short sequences rather than forcing vertical balls too quickly.

The back three of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw should hold a slightly deeper line than usual. Palace thrive on quick breaks into the channels, and keeping space compact will protect against runners off Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Possession should be built predominantly through Shaw’s left-side outlet. His comfort stepping into midfield gives United an overload against Palace’s typically narrow block.

With Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui likely to come in for Patrick Dorgu at left wing-back, United should switch play frequently. Palace’s wingers track poorly on long defensive shifts, and rapid diagonals can create isolated one-v-one situations. The same is true on the opposite flank, which must be attacked aggressively, opening shooting lanes for Fernandes to exploit.

However, United must avoid overcommitting wing-backs simultaneously. Doing so leaves Casemiro exposed, which is exactly what Palace feed off.

Cutting Edge

Getting Bryan Mbeumo away on the right is crucial. His directness and inside movement can exploit Palace’s weaker left side. United should feed him early and often.

Amorim could select Mason Mount as the left-sided forward. The high press will be key to stopping Palace building from the back. This vulnerability to pressure is a weakness in the home side’s back line and Mount’s energy will be perfect in this scenario.

Overall, United have to play a patient, possession-based and disciplined game and keep Palace on the back foot. The wing-backs are the main key; they need to be aggressive enough to pin back the Eagles’ own attack whilst being wary of over-committing and leaving gaps at the back for the Londoners to exploit.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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