The statistics behind Erik ten Hag & Manchester United's problems

Manchester United’s Defensive Woes and Goalless Struggle

Manchester United’s defense has been under the spotlight lately, and for good reason. The team has failed to keep a clean sheet this season, and their recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham has raised concerns about their ability to defend. But, as Michael Bridge points out, the problem lies not just with the defense, but also with the team’s inability to score goals.

Defensive Struggles Under Eric Ten Hag

Under Eric Ten Hag’s management, Manchester United have conceded 123 goals in 23 games, with 10 defeats resulting in losses of three or more goals. The team has faced 20 shots or more 16 times in 44 games, more than any other team in the league. This has been a worrying trend for the team, especially given their recent defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham.

Attacking Woes: Missing Chances and Ranking

But, as the article highlights, Manchester United’s problems don’t stop at defense. The team’s attacking woes have been a major concern, with their inability to put chances away becoming a real worry. According to the xG (expected goals) statistic, Manchester United have created chances but failed to convert them into goals. In fact, the team ranks 17th in the Premier League in terms of goals scored, a far cry from their expected performance.

Player Ranking: A Cause for Concern

The article also takes a closer look at Manchester United’s player ranking, highlighting the team’s struggles in front of goal. The team’s top scorers, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, have been inconsistent, while others such as Joshua Zer and Anthony Martial have been struggling with injuries. The team’s xR differential, which measures the difference between expected and actual goals scored, is also bottom of the league, suggesting that Manchester United are creating chances but failing to convert them.

A Tough Week Ahead

As Manchester United prepare to face Porto and Aston Villa in their next two games, they will be looking to address their defensive and attacking woes. With a tough week ahead, the team’s manager, Eric Ten Hag, will be under pressure to find a solution to his team’s problems and turn their season around.

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