Manchester United, under Erik Ten Hag, finds itself under scrutiny again after a series of underwhelming performances. Despite ranking high in several key attacking metrics, United currently sits 11th in the Premier League, far below expectations.
Attacking Potential but Poor Conversion
United ranks among the top five teams in terms of expected goals (xG) and other attacking statistics, but they have struggled to convert their chances into goals. In fact, they have scored around five goals fewer than expected this season. This poor finishing has seen them miss a league-high 17 big chances, making them joint-biggest underachievers in the Premier League.
Defensive Improvement, but Inconsistencies Remain
On the defensive side, United has seen some improvements, including making the most interceptions in the league and reducing the number of shots faced per game. However, inconsistent centre-back partnerships and a lack of stability in defense have contributed to their struggles.
Key Players Underperforming
Bruno Fernandes, Joshua Zirkee, and Alejandro Garnacho are among those underperforming, with significant gaps between their xG numbers and actual goals scored. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent.
What Lies Ahead
Erik Ten Hag faces a crucial period, with upcoming fixtures against Tottenham, Porto, and Aston Villa. Having spent £616.8m on new signings since his arrival, Ten Hag has been backed both financially and by the board. Now, the pressure is on for him to deliver and transform United’s potential into consistent results on the pitch.
