Manchester United have struggled to convert promising statistics into tangible results this season.
- Erik ten Hag attributes the team’s poor performance to a lack of effort, specifically highlighting a 1-1 draw against Twente.
- The team ranks high in key attacking metrics, yet sits 11th in the Premier League table.
- Defensively, the team has significantly reduced the number of shots faced compared to last season.
- Key players have underperformed in terms of expected goals, contributing to the team’s struggles.
Manchester United, under the management of Erik ten Hag, find themselves in a difficult position, languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table. Ten Hag openly criticised the team’s performance, claiming they showed only ’99 per cent effort’ in their 1-1 Europa League draw against Twente. Despite the criticism, the team’s underlying metrics indicate potential improvement.
The team is currently ranked among the top five across various key attacking metrics. Yet, this statistical success has not translated into their league position, with United sitting 11th in the table after five games. This discrepancy is largely due to the team’s inability to convert expected goals into actual goals.
On the defensive front, United have shown progress. Last season, they faced 667 shots, more than any other team except Sheffield United. This season, they have almost halved that number on a per-match basis, placing them among the top five teams in terms of fewest shots faced.
Despite some positive defensive metrics, United remain the Premier League’s biggest underachievers, sharing this dubious honour with Southampton. Although expected goals suggest United should be in fifth place, they have scored around five goals fewer than anticipated. This failure to capitalise on scoring opportunities has significantly impacted their league position.
Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkee, and Alejandro Garnacho have been particularly culpable, with each failing to meet their expected goal tallies. Fernandes has not scored despite having an xG of 1.86, while Zirkee and Garnacho have also fallen short, each netting only once when they should have scored at least twice.
There is some hope, however, in the form of Amad Diallo, who has excelled in creating chances and earning game time. Marcus Rashford also showed signs of breaking his scoring drought, netting his first goals since March in recent games, though he later faltered against Twente.
Inconsistencies in the defensive line-up have also been an issue. No centre-back pairing has played more than 500 league minutes together since last season, with the most-used partnership being Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane, the latter of whom has retired. This inconsistency in defence contributes to United’s ongoing struggles.
Erik ten Hag, now in his third season as manager, has received financial backing, spending £616.8 million on signings, second only to Chelsea. Despite this investment and a squad valued at around £888 million, United have failed to live up to expectations. Ten Hag is now facing a critical period, with upcoming matches against Tottenham, Porto, and Aston Villa likely to be decisive.
Manchester United’s season so far has been one of unfulfilled potential, marked by a failure to convert strong metrics into actual success.
