Manchester United face Crystal Palace next in the Premier League and both teams will line up in identical formations.
Ruben Amorim is facing criticism for his tactical approach in Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton at Old Trafford.
Despite facing 10 men for the majority of the match, United were toothless in possession and failed to break down a well-organised defence.
Amorim accepted blame for the poor performance, and naturally conversation has again turned to his 3-4-2-1 formation.
Since being appointed a year ago, Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his formation, choosing only to make tweaks within that shape.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim appearing frustrated.
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Difference between Ruben Amorim and Oliver Glasner’s formation
United travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday to face Crystal Palace, and both sides are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 shape.
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Manchester United FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
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Across from Amorim on the touchline is former United managerial candidate Oliver Glasner, who has also been wedded to using a 3-4-2-1 since taking charge at Palace.
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Glasner continues to be linked with United, and on Sunday he has the chance to go head-to-head with Amorim’s system to see who comes out on top.
As pointed out by The Athletic, despite Amorim and Glasner using the same formation, there are some key differences in style.
Glasner does not intend to dominate possession, while Amorim urges United to control matches. As a footballing powerhouse, it is expected of United to dominate.
Palace are averaging just 42.8% of possession in the Premier League this season – only Burnley rank lower. For comparison, United are averaging 52%.
Glasner’s Palace also tend to sit deep and defend their half, while Amorim has attempted to implement a high press at United.
Ruben Amorim’s possession problems could continue against Palace
United dominated possession against 10-man Everton on Monday, ending the match with 70%.
It is certainly not the first time that United have dropped points when having more of the ball.
In fact, United are averaging just 0.79 points per match when having more possession than their opposition.
Ruben Amorim possession problems
Manchester United average 1.73 points per game in matches with less than 50% possession, and just 0.79 points with more than 50% possession.
Manchester United wins vs losses based on possession.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim has taken away what Oliver Glasner described as Manchester United’s biggest threat
The stats suggest that United will have more possession at Selhurst Park, so it is up to Amorim and his players to prove they can dominate matches. However, that is precisely where Palace have been thriving under Glasner.