Many theories of why Manchester United is struggling have been around lately. From the numerous injuries to defenders, to Eric Ten Hag not being well suited for the job, and why the forwards are not scoring enough. After a quick glimpse at the standings, what caught the eye is that the Red Devils have scored as little as 18 goals in 17 outings. Such a number ranks them 15th when comparing with the other teams.
For better perspective, there is not team above Manchester United in the table which has scored less than 35 goals thus far in the season. That is two times more than Eric Ten Hag’s team who has managed to outscore only the likes of Luton Town, Sheffield United, Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. The Red Devils were limited to no goals in three of their previous four Premier League games and six times since the beginning of the season. In only 5 of the 17 matches the United players have managed to score more than a goal.
🚨 Paul Scholes on Rasmus Hojlund:
"They couldn't create chances for him. I know he has scored five goals in the Champions League, but none in the Premier League."
"I expected creativity from United's wingers, Antony and Garnacho, but they are quite selfish players. They are… pic.twitter.com/805jAJefCk
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) December 19, 2023
Manchester United’s top scorer this season is Scot McTominay with 5 goals, but he operates in the middle of the park. Next is Bruno Fernandes with 3 goals, but he is also a midfielder. Then comes Marcus Rashford, the team’s highest scoring forward with 2 goals in 16 matches this campaign.
Yes, it is Manchester United’s very own legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s who said “attack wins you matches, defence wins you titles”, but when the attack is completely missing you become unable to win single games, let alone titles.