How Palace’s 3-4-3 Success Could Guide Amorim’s Man United Rebuild
So, the big talking point around Manchester United this season has been Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. He’s repeatedly said that whenever United lose, the formation gets blamed, and whenever they win, the tactics never get credit. And honestly, that frustration makes sense — but the truth is, Crystal Palace are showing that the same system can thrive in the Premier League. Oliver Glasner has been proving that week after week.
Since taking over at Palace back in early 2024, Glasner has built something remarkable. He walked into a team sitting 15th in the table, and in less than two years, that same club has won its first major trophy — the FA Cup — qualified for Europe, strung together a 19-game unbeaten run, and even lifted the Community Shield. Now they’re sitting fifth in the league, enjoying their best top-flight season since 1990. For a club that usually battles relegation, that’s a stunning transformation.
This contrast becomes sharper when you look at United’s journey. Last season, United finished at their lowest league position in more than half a century, and their problems were laid bare again when they failed to beat 10-man Everton despite having a numerical advantage for over 75 minutes. That’s the backdrop as United travel to Selhurst Park — and it’s the perfect moment to understand what Amorim might take from Glasner’s blueprint.
Also Read:- Norris Faces Crucial Qatar Showdown in Three-Way F1 Title Battle
- Baugh’s Breakout Night Powers Florida Past Rival FSU
One big lesson is flexibility. Glasner doesn’t cling to a system for the sake of ideology. He adapts based on the players he has. He’s played everything from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1, only using 3-4-3 when the squad suits it. Amorim, on the other hand, arrived at Old Trafford determined to force the 3-4-3 onto a squad with wingers but no real wing-backs. That rigidity has cost United in moments when a small tactical shift might have changed a match.
Another key difference is how the two managers approach possession. While United often dominate the ball without creating enough impact, Palace have embraced a style that thrives with less possession. They sit near the bottom of the league in possession stats yet are firmly in the top five. United, meanwhile, typically look more dangerous when they don’t hog the ball.
There's also the striking issue — literally. Palace have a dependable, physical, Premier League-tested centre-forward in Jean-Philippe Mateta. United, despite spending heavily, still lack that presence. Their recent string of false-nine experiments only highlights the problem.
Even the wing-backs show a contrast. Glasner uses players on their natural sides, making transitions smoother and more threatening. United often do the opposite, with square pegs forced into round holes, limiting their ability to stretch teams.
And finally, there’s belief. Glasner radiates confidence. Even after tough defeats, he reassures his squad that solutions are within reach. Amorim tends to be brutally honest, sometimes too honest, and it’s not always helpful for morale. Players need to feel their manager believes in the project.
As United prepare to face Palace, the differences between the two managers’ approaches couldn’t be clearer. But so are the lessons. And if Amorim takes a page out of Glasner’s book, the 3-4-3 at Old Trafford might still have a future — one that actually works.
Read More:
0 Comments