Set-piece theft pays off for Man Utd: Amorim

Ruben Amorim explained that copying set-piece tactics was crucial in Manchester Uniteds comeback victory by 2-1 over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

During his time at United, Amorim has faced significant criticism, and the tension increased following a poor 1-0 loss at home to 10-man Everton on Monday.

Once Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for Palace via a retaken penalty in the 36th minute, Amorim found himself under intense pressure once more.

However, Joshua Zirkzee equalised just nine minutes into the second half by capitalising on a free-kick from Bruno Fernandes.

Then, Uniteds captain Fernandes set up Mason Mount to fire in the decisive goal after 63 minutes from a swift free-kick routine.

This marked yet another away fixture where United netted from a set-piece, after previous corner successes against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham in November.

Amorim noted that United have dedicated considerable effort to adopting the set-piece strategies that have gained popularity across the Premier League this season.

"We now have additional preparation time, and we train extensively while continually improving," he commented.

"In England, there is a strong emphasis on set-pieces, but arriving in the Premier League teaches you volumes about opponents approaches.

"We are borrowing numerous ideas to find the net."

Amorim alerted his squad to expect exhaustion in Palace ranks after their midweek journey to France for the Conference League clash with Strasbourg.

And United capitalised on this during their second-half turnaround.

"I instructed the team to stay alert and sharper, which made a noticeable difference. Being more engaged positions you closer to the action and the ball, and the players responded, though we must also recognise the opponents weariness," he added.

"Looking at the closing moments, Palace laboured greatly to clear the ball from their area, and their movements showed clear fatigue entering the second period, which we had anticipated.

"I sensed that one goal would entirely shift the momentum."

Zirkzees initial Premier League strike in 25 outings provided a vital lift for the criticised Dutch forward, who rifled it in from a tight angle.

"He played a vital role, yet it extended beyond the goal itself," Amorim remarked.

"His forward surges mattered too. In the opening half, he lost some battles, but he triumphed in more during the latter stages.

"Our enhancement stems from Joshs elevated performance post-break, and he needs to realise the goals significance lies in the full contribution."