Crystal Palace vs Man Utd: Oliver Glasner has proved a 3-4-2-1 formation can work in the Premier League - so why does Ruben Amorim struggle?

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United team continues to struggle with their preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, despite having a talented squad at their disposal. The system has proven effective for Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner, who has successfully implemented the 3-4-2-1 setup and achieved top-five status in the Premier League.

One key aspect of Glasner's approach is the importance he places on his back three, featuring Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi. These centre-backs are marshalling things well in front of Dean Henderson, one of the best goalkeepers in the division. Palace have the second-best defence in terms of goals conceded and are one of only two teams to let in a single-digit goal tally after 12 games.

Glasner's midfield four is another area where his team shines. The wing-backs of Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell bring intensity, with Munoz running over 14km per game at high intensity this season - more than the next-best player. Meanwhile, Mitchell sits fifth for current Premier League players in terms of tackles won per 90 minutes.

The two sitting midfielders, rotated between Adam Wharton and Jefferson Lerma, set the tone for Palace's play. Their ability to break lines and create overloads in the central areas is key to the team's success. For example, Munoz and Mitchell create an overload by playing narrow to create space behind the opposition's midfield line.

Palace's No 10s, Ismaila Sarr and Yeremy Pino, also play a crucial role in creating this overload. They can occupy multiple centre-backs at once, freeing up other players to make runs in behind. This system requires "pocket" players who can create chaos and confusion among the opposition's midfielders.

United, on the other hand, has struggled to replicate this success with their preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Their wing-backs have been less effective than Palace's, and their midfield two of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes has not been as cohesive.

The system also requires "runners" who can make late runs behind the opposition's midfield line. However, United has struggled to find these players in the transfer market, with injuries such as Cunha and Sesko creating holes in the team.

In contrast, Palace have found players who fit the structure of their system. They have a mix of "pocket" players like Sarr and Pino, runners like Munoz and Mitchell, and physical hold-up forwards like Jean-Philippe Mateta.

United's failure to replicate the success of Glasner's team is largely due to their inability to find a cohesive midfield duo. Their system relies on having two central midfielders who can break lines and create overloads in the central areas.

In contrast, Palace have found success by rotating between Wharton and Lerma, who provide a similar level of quality to Casemiro and Fernandes. The team's ability to overload their opponents in the central areas is key to their success, and United would do well to study this approach.

Ultimately, Ruben Amorim must take a closer look at his system and make adjustments to address these weaknesses. With a talented squad at his disposal, there is no reason why Manchester United cannot achieve top-four status with a more cohesive midfield duo.

Did you see that stats on Munoz's high-intensity running? 14km per game is wild And Palace has the second-best defence in terms of goals conceded... they're like a brick wall ! Their midfield four is so solid, with Mitchell leading tackles won per 90 minutes . But what's up with United's wing-backs? They can't even match Munoz's intensity . And that Casemiro and Fernandes midfield duo just isn't the same as Wharton and Lerma's rotation . I think Amorim needs to re-think his system, ASAP ...

man this 3-4-2-1 formation just isn't working for utd i mean ruben amorim's got all the right pieces but somehow they just can't seem to click palace on the other hand is killing it with their system and it's clear why - those centre-backs are absolute monsters maxence laCroix is like a brick wall for opposing forwards meanwhile, ismaila sarr and yeremy pino are just too clever for them

I'm like "what's going on at Man U?" They're having some major issues with their 3-4-2-1 formation and I just don't get it... Crystal Palace is killing the game with their system and they're not even trying to replicate it? Those centre-backs of theirs are like a solid wall, Dean Henderson is a beast in goal and their midfield four is all over the pitch. What's not working for Man U is that their wing-backs just aren't doing what Palace's do... and Casemiro and Bruno just don't have the same chemistry as Wharton and Lerma at Palace. It's time for Amorim to shake things up, I reckon

Wow Palace's back three is looking super solid! And their wing-backs are so intense It's clear that having a good mix of "pocket" players and runners makes all the difference. The fact that they've found guys like Munoz, Mitchell, and Wharton/Lerma who fit into this system is huge Ruben Amorim should definitely take a closer look at how Palace are doing it

I'm not sure if the 3-4-2-1 formation is really that effective . I mean, it's worked for Glasner at Palace and all, but Ruben Amorim's team has been struggling to get it right? Maybe they just need a different approach? But then again, maybe the issue lies with their midfield duo... Casemiro and Fernandes aren't half bad, are they? ️ I guess what I'm saying is, it's hard to say for sure without seeing more. United needs to find a way to make this system work, but maybe they need to look at some other teams' strategies too

I think what really stands out about Palace's 3-4-2-1 formation is how well they're utilizing their wing-backs Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell are making a huge difference in the team, and it's not just because of their high-intensity running. It's also about how they're creating these small spaces behind the opposition's midfield line that can lead to big opportunities ️

I've been watching Ruben Amorim's United games, and I just don't get why he hasn't switched to a more flexible midfield approach Their midfield duo of Casemiro and Fernandes just isn't clicking like Palace's rotation between Wharton and Lerma. It's all about finding those "pocket" players who can create chaos and confusion, right?

Manchester United is really struggling with their 3-4-2-1 formation . They have a talented squad but just can't seem to get it right . I think the key to Palace's success is in their back three, those centre-backs are marshalling things well and it's made a big difference for them. And let's be real, who doesn't love watching wing-backs like Munoz bring intensity to the game? Meanwhile, United just can't seem to replicate that same level of cohesion in their midfield two . They need to find those "pocket" players and runners who can make late runs behind the opposition's midfield line . Ruben Amorim needs to take a closer look at his system and make some adjustments , I'm sure he can do it!

The thing that's got me thinking about Man U right now is how they're relying too much on big-name signings... I mean, we all know Bruno Fernandes is an absolute gem, but can't they find another quality midfielder to pair him with? It's like they think one superstar will magically fix everything. Meanwhile, Palace is over here quietly building a solid team through smart transfers and clever tactics. That 3-4-2-1 formation just works for them, you know?

I'm telling ya, I played some 3-4-2-1 myself back in the day... Okay so Ruben Amorim's got a solid squad but they're struggling to get it right. The thing is, Palace have nailed the back three, their wing-backs are bringing that intensity and they've got those midfield four players who can break lines and create chaos. But Manchester United? They just can't seem to find that cohesion in midfield... Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are great players but they're not working together like Wharton and Lerma do at Palace. And let's be real, their wing-backs aren't matching Munoz and Mitchell's energy levels

they should've taken that crystal palace approach instead of trying to copy it 1:1

I mean, think about it... 3-4-2-1 is the way to go, right? But it's not just about the system, it's about finding the right players for that system . Ruben Amorim needs to find some "pocket" players and runners who can create chaos in front of the opposition's midfield line . Palace has got it down pat with Sarr and Pino, but United just can't seem to replicate that magic ️. They're trying to force Casemiro and Fernandes into a role they weren't meant for, you know? It's all about finding the right fit, and if Ruben can get that sorted out, I reckon United could be back in the hunt .

OMG u think amorim needs to revamp their team ASAP!!! they just dont seem 2 get it right wen its come 2 finding tht midfield cohesion i mean palace r doin everythin rite but amorim needs 2 adapt & find his own solution lol

I think Man Utd needs to rethink their 3-4-2-1 formation... it's just not clicking for them Their wing-backs aren't doing the job like Palace's, and Casemiro & Bruno are like oil and water, they don't mesh well together Also, why didn't they sign more midfield runners to create those late runs behind the opposition? That's a key part of the 3-4-2-1 system They need to find those special players to make it work

I'm kinda thinkin' that this 3-4-2-1 formation is like life itself - it's all about balance and harmony. Palace seems to have figured out the right balance between defense, midfield, and attack, whereas United's struggles suggest they're still tryin' to find that sweet spot. It's like tryin' to navigate through a busy city without gettin' lost - you need to know when to push forward and when to take a step back .

And I'm curious about this "pocket" player thingy... it sounds like they're the ones who can create chaos and confusion among the opposition's midfielders. Like, imagine bein' in a crowded room with a bunch of people tryin' to get your attention - you need someone to disrupt the status quo, right?

But what really gets me is how United's failure to replicate Palace's success highlights their own identity crisis. They're like a ship without a rudder, just driftin' from one place to another without knowin' where they're goin'.

The disparity between Crystal Palace's 3-4-2-1 formation under Oliver Glasner and Ruben Amorim's Manchester United setup is quite striking . The key to Palace's success lies in their ability to create chaos among the opposition's midfielders, thanks to their "pocket" players like Sarr and Pino, who can occupy multiple centre-backs at once . In contrast, United has struggled to replicate this effect, particularly with their wing-backs not being as effective as Palace's .

Their failure to find a cohesive midfield duo is a major issue . While Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are talented players, they haven't been able to provide the same level of quality as Wharton and Lerma . It's time for Ruben Amorim to revisit his system and make adjustments to address these weaknesses .

By studying Palace's approach, United can learn valuable lessons about creating overloads in the central areas and using "runners" to make late runs behind the opposition's midfield line . With a talented squad at their disposal, there's no reason why Manchester United can't achieve top-four status with a more cohesive midfield duo .

I think what's crazy is how well Palace have adapted the 3-4-2-1 formation to their team's strengths . Their back three and wing-backs are so solid, it's like they're playing a different game. And let's be real, having those "pocket" players like Sarr and Pino creating chaos in midfield is a game-changer . Meanwhile, United just can't seem to find the right balance with their system. It's not like they don't have talented players, but it feels like they're missing that cohesion . Ruben Amorim needs to take a hard look at his tactics and see what Palace are doing right .

Ruben needs to get his team's mid game together, honestly . Palace is killing it with that 3-4-2-1 and I think Manchester U is just missing the right players in the middle. They need some 'pocket' players like Sarr and Pino who can create chaos among the opposition's midfielders. And those wing-backs, they gotta step up their game too

i think what's key for ruben amorim is finding that balance between having talented players but also building a cohesive unit. palace under oliverglasner has shown how having multiple types of midfielders can create chaos for the opposition, and i think man u could benefit from something similar casemiro & fernandes are clearly top-notch, but do they fit into amorim's vision? maybe bringing in some new signings who can complement their strengths would help. and yeah, having a "pocket" player like sarr or pino could make all the difference for man u

Manchester United needs to revamp their 3-4-2-1 formation ASAP! It's like they're trying to play football with one hand tied behind their back . Palace is killing it under Oliver Glasner, and we all know why - those centre-backs are on point ️, and the midfield four is just so well-oiled . United needs to find that same cohesion in midfield, like they did when Casemiro was fit . Those runners they're missing, though... United needs to go on the hunt for some quality midfielders who can make those late runs behind the opposition's midfield line ️.

Maybe if Amorim takes a closer look at Glasner's tactics, he'll figure out what made Palace tick . It's all about that overload in the central areas - and United just isn't doing it right . Let's hope they make some changes soon!