Erik ten Hag has openly acknowledged that Manchester United’s biggest problem this season is their inability to convert chances into goals. After their disappointing 1-1 draw against Twente in their Europa League opener, the team's struggles in attack have become increasingly evident. Despite often being the stronger side in terms of possession and opportunities, United have been unable to capitalize on their chances.
This issue is reflected in their Premier League performance, where they lead in the number of big chances missed with 17, more than any other team. Clubs like Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur are tied for second, having missed 12 each. Ten Hag admitted that this inefficiency in front of goal has become a real concern for his team, noting that while they create plenty of opportunities, their finishing is letting them down.
The Dutch manager stressed that this is a process, and while the pressure is building, especially with criticism from former players like Cristiano Ronaldo, he remains focused on the task at hand. He emphasized that similar situations occurred during his time at Ajax and that being the coach of a high-profile club means always being in the spotlight. Ten Hag is determined not to let outside opinions distract him as he continues to work towards building a stronger, more consistent team.
United's next test comes in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur, followed by a challenging Europa League match against Porto. Ten Hag remains optimistic that with time, his team will improve and become more clinical in front of goal.
Erik ten Hag’s concerns about Manchester United’s goal-scoring troubles come at a critical juncture in their season. Despite creating numerous opportunities, the team's inability to finish has left them vulnerable in key matches, both domestically and in Europe. With 17 big chances missed in the Premier League, this statistic highlights United’s inefficiency in front of goal. For a club with United’s ambitions, this has been a recurring problem that could derail their hopes for a successful campaign if not addressed quickly.
Ten Hag’s comments after the Twente game reflect his frustration but also his belief in the process of building a competitive team. The Dutchman stressed that every top team faces challenges when goals are hard to come by, but he remains confident that with time, United will overcome this issue. He pointed out that the board understands the process of building a strong side and that things will improve as the season progresses.
This season, Manchester United’s struggles up front have been exacerbated by a lack of consistency from their attacking players. The team has yet to find a reliable goal scorer, with many players underperforming in comparison to their expected goals (xG) figures. As a result, pressure is mounting on players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and new signing Joshua Zirkzee to step up and deliver.
Ten Hag is no stranger to criticism, and he has had to deal with the added scrutiny that comes with managing a club of United’s stature. Despite the critical remarks from former players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ten Hag remains unfazed, attributing such comments to the high-profile nature of the club. His experience managing Ajax, another club always in the spotlight, has prepared him for the pressures of Old Trafford.
As United prepares for upcoming fixtures, including a Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur and a Europa League match against Porto, the focus will be on turning their performances into results. The team's defensive improvements have been promising, but without a more clinical edge in attack, Ten Hag’s side risks falling short in key moments. For now, the manager remains focused on guiding his team through this challenging period, hopeful that the goals will start to flow as his rebuilding project progresses.
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