Here’s a bold claim: Manchester United’s recent success in set-piece goals isn’t just about hard work—it’s about borrowing brilliance from their rivals. But here’s where it gets controversial... Ruben Amorim, the mastermind behind United’s tactical evolution, openly admits his team is ‘stealing’ set-piece routines from other clubs. Yes, you read that right. After a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Crystal Palace, fueled by Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount’s second-half heroics, Amorim didn’t shy away from the truth. Both goals? Courtesy of Bruno Fernandes’ expertly crafted set plays—moves that might look familiar to fans of other Premier League teams.
And this is the part most people miss... United’s 10 set-piece goals this season tie them with league leaders Arsenal, a stat that’s no accident. Amorim credits the Premier League’s competitive environment for this tactical thievery. ‘We work a lot,’ he said, ‘but we also learn a lot by observing other teams. We’re stealing ideas to score goals.’ Is this a sly strategy or just smart football? You decide.
The match itself was a tale of two halves. Crystal Palace took the lead with a retaken penalty by Jean-Philippe Mateta, leaving United staring at another potential setback after their recent loss to 10-man Everton. But Amorim’s halftime pep talk worked wonders. ‘I told the players we needed to be more alive,’ he explained. ‘And they delivered.’ The result? A rare away win—only their second since March—and a performance that showcased United’s growing resilience.
Here’s the kicker... While Amorim praised his team’s energy, he also acknowledged Palace’s fatigue in the second half. ‘When you increase the rhythm and the opponent tires, you gain control,’ he noted. But is relying on opponents’ exhaustion a sustainable strategy? Or is it the stolen set-piece magic that’s truly making the difference?
This raises a thought-provoking question: Is ‘stealing’ tactics in football a sign of innovation or desperation? Let’s spark a debate—do you think Amorim’s approach is genius or just a shortcut? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
