Manchester United’s underwhelming start to the 2024/25 season has left fans and pundits alike questioning the direction of Erik ten Hag’s side. Despite ranking in the top five across key attacking metrics, the club finds itself sitting in an unimpressive 11th place in the Premier League table after five games. Adding to the concerns, a disappointing 1-1 draw in the Europa League against Twente has further highlighted the team’s current issues, particularly their inability to convert opportunities into goals.
A Promising Start Stalled by Poor Finishing
Manchester United’s attacking statistics suggest that they should be higher up the Premier League table. Ten Hag’s men rank among the top five clubs for expected goals (xG), shots on target, and chances created, signaling that the team is generating enough opportunities to win matches. However, the problem lies in their inability to consistently turn those chances into goals.
After five games, United have scored only six goals, a figure that does not match their expected goals tally. This discrepancy between xG and actual goals scored has left United languishing in mid-table, trailing teams with far fewer chances but better conversion rates.
Forwards such as Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund, both highly rated for their attacking prowess, have struggled to find the back of the net as consistently as expected. While Rashford has been industrious in creating chances, his final product has been erratic. Højlund, still adjusting to life in the Premier League, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to hit his stride in front of goal.
Europa League Disappointment Adds to Woes
United’s disappointing domestic form was mirrored on the European stage this past week, as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Dutch side Twente in the Europa League. Despite dominating possession and creating a host of chances, United once again failed to capitalize, allowing Twente to snatch a late equalizer and further sour the mood at Old Trafford.
Manager Erik ten Hag was vocal about his frustrations after the game, calling out his players for a perceived lack of effort. “We were at 99 per cent tonight, and that’s not good enough at this level,” Ten Hag said. “We dominated the game but didn’t kill it off, and we were punished for that. The focus needs to be 100 per cent, and I didn’t see that tonight.”
Ten Hag’s comments echoed a growing sentiment that Man United’s squad is struggling with consistency. While they have the talent and ability to create chances, there seems to be a lack of sharpness and concentration at crucial moments, both in front of goal and defensively.
Tactical Issues or Player Confidence
Under Ten Hag, United have adopted a fluid attacking style that relies heavily on quick transitions, wide play, and high pressing. This system has allowed them to rank highly in attacking metrics but has left gaps at the back, exposing a sometimes shaky defense.
The midfield, led by Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, has also been inconsistent. Fernandes remains United’s creative hub, regularly supplying dangerous passes and crosses, but his influence in matches has been sporadic. Casemiro, usually a stalwart in breaking up opposition play, has looked fatigued at times and hasn’t provided the same solidity as in previous seasons.
It’s also worth noting that United have had to deal with injuries to key players early in the campaign. Defenders such as Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane have missed several matches, forcing Ten Hag to rotate his squad and experiment with different combinations in defense. This instability at the back has contributed to the team’s struggles in grinding out results, particularly in tight matches.
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