Ruben Amorim has revealed three tactical changes he has made for Manchester United’s clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Manchester United appeared to be finding form after a five-match unbeaten run that featured victories over Brighton, Sunderland and Liverpool.
But last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Everton, even though David Moyes’ side played with 10 men for the majority of the match, felt like a major step backwards.
As a result, United now sit 12th in the Premier League, though a win against Crystal Palace on Sunday could lift them as high as fifth in the table.
Ruben Amorim has decided to bring Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot into the side to face Oliver Glasner’s side, while Shea Lacey has also made the bench for the second game running.
Amorim reveals three tactical changes for United vs Palace
After starting Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui at wingback against Everton, Amorim has made changes to start Amad and Dalot in those positions at Selhurst Park.
The United boss has explained that it was a tactical decision to switch things up on the flanks, with there being a need to have at least one wingback with one-versus-one ability.
He also added how Dalot will be tasked to handle the attacking threat of Palace wingback Daniel Munoz at the back post.
“Tactical reasons. System, sometimes the right foot on the left side is easier for them to run away from the duels,” he told TNT Sports when discussing the wingbacks.
“Munoz is really strong on the second post. Diogo is the best one on that. I think we need one against one. We struggle a lot when we don’t have the one against one, at least as one winger, and Amad can give us that on that part of the field.
“And then I make a rotation based on training also. So that is really important, especially in our moment, if we train well, we are going to play.”
Amorim explains Mount decision
Amad started in the frontline last time out but United seem to perform better when he is at wingback so he can support Bryan Mbeumo.
His change of position has opened up a spot for Mason Mount to start the game alongside Mbeumo and Joshua Zirkzee.
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Amorim is expecting the English midfielder to help United in possession, with Mount regularly moving into space and playing quick football.
“Mason Mount is really smart, gives us more possession. He is intense, he can score goals so is one more player to be near the box,” the United boss added.
On the bench, the only attacking substitute is 18-year-old Lacey, who is still yet to make his first-team debut.
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