‘I’ve spotted Ruben Amorim’s key change, it puts Man United on a par with Arsenal’
Ruben Amorim has made changes to his system and style of play at Man United in recent weeks which have inspired their upturn in form.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the renewed focus on set-pieces has been a major boost.
Man United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday courtesy of goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, both of which came from set-plays.
As a result, United now lead the league on goals scored from set-piece situations, level with Arsenal on 10 despite the Gunners being widely hailed for their proficiency.
Despite Arsenal receiving some stick from rival fans for their style, Arteta’s side have not been deterred from their winning formula, and United are following suit.
Man United turnaround spearheaded by Ruben Amorim tweak
Brown told Football Insider on 4 November that Arsenal’s set-piece dominance makes them title favourites ahead of the likes of Man City as things stand.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers including Sir Alex Ferguson for over a decade at Man United, insisted the Red Devils’ new-found proficiency from set plays is a major boost.
“This is a major positive for Man United,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s something I’ve been going on about for ages, the importance of set-pieces and how they can be decisive, and we’re seeing that everywhere at the moment.
“It has always been the case that around a third of all goals scored come from set-pieces, sometimes that dips, sometimes it rises, but it’s around that figure.
“So these clubs would be stupid to ignore them, because they can make a huge difference.
“That was a concern I had with United before, they didn’t seem to put any real emphasis on set plays, and they’re not good enough to make up the difference.
“Ruben Amorim has made that change now, there’s clearly more of a focus on it, and ultimately that’s what got them three points against Crystal Palace.
“They’re now on par with Arsenal in that respect, top of the league, that’s the difference it makes.
“It gets criticised in certain circles, people are snobby about it and talk about it like it’s taboo, but United have shown the impact it can have.”
Man United wowed by Adam Wharton vs Crystal Palace
United’s new-found set-piece dominance was not the only takeaway from their win at Palace, however, with transfer news emerging following the full-time whistle.
Brown told Football Insider that Man United were impressed by Adam Wharton’s display as they continue to consider a number of options to strengthen in midfield.
The England international has attracted interest from a number of high profile clubs including Real Madrid and Man City, but United remain strong contenders.
Football Insider revealed on 10 September that Man United are desperate to sign a midfielder in January and have a number of high profile names on their list.
Wharton is one of the leading contenders among those, while the likes of Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba remain highly rated at Old Trafford.
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