Crystal Palace – Manchester United: Set-Piece Salvation At Selhurst (1-2)

Palace went in front against a vulnerable United defense in the first half, while Amorim's side looked harmless in attack. In the second half though, an emerging left-sided focus plus two set-pieces helped United turn the game around and ultimately see the game out without trouble against a Palace side who struggled against low-blocks.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Palace went in front against a vulnerable United defense in the first half, while Amorim's side looked harmless in attack. In the second half though, an emerging left-sided focus plus two set-pieces helped United turn the game around and ultimately see the game out without trouble against a Palace side who struggled against low-blocks.

Both teams came into this game on the back of defeats, with Crystal Palace being beaten in Strasbourg in midweek, while Manchester United lost rather embarrassingly against ten-man Everton. Palace were looking to extend a run of twelve Premier League home games unbeaten, but Ruben Amorim's side had the chance to leapfrog Palace in the table with a victory here as they try to contend for European football next season.

Oliver Glasner lined Palace up in their usual 3-4-3 shape, with a back three of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guéhi. Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell were the wing-backs, while Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada played in central midfield. Ismaïla Sarr and Yéremy Pino then supported striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

A 3-4-3 shape was also the predictable choice for United, with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and . . .