Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves explains why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system is not working as efficiently as Oliver Glasner’s at Crystal Palace.
It has been a turbulent start to the Premier League season for Manchester United, winning just two of their first six matches.
The pressure continued to pile on Ruben Amorim after United’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford last week. And, it will only get worse if the Red Devils drop more points when they take on Sunderland at Old Trafford.
Perhaps the biggest complaint critics have with United this season is the 3-4-2-1 system Amorim is persisting with, despite poor results.
The irony, for United, is that Crystal Palace are playing a similar system under Oliver Glasner but remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
Former United goalkeeper Ben Foster has tipped Glasner to succeed Ruben Amorim, should Ineos change the manager mid-season, but that could see the Red Devils stick with the 3-4-2-1 formation.
Only time will tell if Amorim can find a way to make United consistent again.
Owen Hargreaves gives verdict on Ruben Amorim and Oliver Glasner
After last season’s FA Cup triumph, Crystal Palace have continued to get results under Glasner, sitting fifth in the Premier League after six games.
Glasner, 51, is one of the Premier League managers United could consider if Amorim is sacked.
As of now, Ineos insist Amorim will get time to turn things around at Old Trafford.
Glasner, however, is not as wedded to the 3-4-2-1 formation as Amorim.
Owen Hargreaves has now had his say on the matter and thinks there are big differences between Glasner and Amorim when it comes to their preferred systems.
Speaking on Premier League Productions’ Team Talks, Hargreaves explains why Amorim’s system isn’t working as well as Glasner’s at Palace.
“I understand where he’s coming from. We were saying the goals, especially at Brentford, they were just long balls. But the problem is the team’s really high,” Hargreaves said.
“If you look at the way Palace play, it’s quite a counterattacking system. They’re quite deep and they hit you in transition. Same way Chelsea did under Conte. I think if you play too aggressively and you’re too high, puts pressure on the back line.”
Oliver Glasner boasts impressive record against Man Utd
Glasner has done an exceptional job since becoming Palace manager in February 2024.
During that time, Glasner has faced United three times and remains unbeaten.
The first game ended 4-0 in Palace’s favour as Glasner got the better of Erik ten Hag.
Last season, Palace drew 0-0 with United at Selhurst Park before winning the reserve fixture 2-0 at Old Trafford.
That means Amorim is aiming for his first win over the Eagles in November.
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