Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United need another offensive wing-back to optimize their tactical setup, highlighting Crystal Palace's success with a similar formation.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has stressed the need for an additional attack-minded wing-back to enhance his team's tactical effectiveness, pointing to Amad Diallo as the current lone example of such a profile in his squad.
The Portuguese coach faced criticism following Monday's lackluster 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton, where his decision to replace injured left wing-back Patrick Dorgu with full-back Diogo Dalot drew particular scrutiny. This substitution left United devoid of attacking threat on the flank, a stark contrast to Crystal Palace's thriving wing-back duo of Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell under Oliver Glasner.
"We need time to improve the team's characteristics," Amorim stated. "Against Everton, we needed a right-footed option like Amad on the opposite side. These are the profiles we must develop to progress."
Despite both teams employing a 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim dismissed direct comparisons with Sunday's opponents Palace: "We play differently. They're executing their system better currently, but our defensive and offensive approaches vary significantly."
The discussion comes as Palace's standout performer Munoz recently expressed admiration for United, telling AS: "Playing for clubs like Barcelona, PSG, Real Madrid, or Manchester United would be a dream. I'm focused on Palace now, but we'll see when the winter window arrives."
Glasner defended Amorim's system ahead of their clash, noting United's league-high expected goals (xG) this season: "Their investment in attackers like Bryan Mbeumo shows clear progress. Their intensity and work-rate have visibly improved from last term."
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville lambasted Amorim's in-game decisions during the Everton match, stating on his podcast: "Substituting Dalot for Shaw makes little sense. Where's the urgency? United's slow play and lack of box presence were embarrassing against 10 men."
With Palace sitting fifth and United tenth - separated by just two points - Sunday's Selhurst Park encounter could prove pivotal in both clubs' European qualification ambitions.
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