The main reason behind the English giants’ poor start to the season, according to Man United boss Erik ten Hag, is a deficiency in goals.
After United’s 1-1 draw at home against FC Twente, a lower-tier team, in their Europa League debut, the Dutchman—now in his third season at Old Trafford—was left feeling even more frustrated.
It was the outcome of last weekend’s dull goalless Premier League draw at Crystal Palace.
United made an encouraging start against Twente, Ten Hag’s former club, when Christian Eriksen put them ahead with a powerful first-half strike before Sam Lammers equalised for Twente in the 68th minute after Eriksen was caught in possession.
Ten Hag’s current side had 18 attempts on goal against Twente, having failed to score with 15 shots at Selhurst Park, and Ten Hag is now looking for United to rediscover their ruthless streak against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The 54-year-old Ten Hag, asked at a pre-match press conference on Thursday what is United’s biggest issue at the moment, replied: “Not scoring goals, not scoring goals enough. That’s the problem, the key area.
“We have to score more goals as a team. I think we have players across the team who have the ability to score. That’s clear.
“You see all the opportunities we are creating, we are not scoring enough.”
United, however, did return from the international break with a 3-0 win at promoted Southampton and a 7-0 League Cup thrashing of third-tier Barnsley.
Those are among just three victories United have managed in eight matches in all competitions so far this season, with Ten Hag saying it was too early to reach a definitive judgement on his inconsistent side.
Ten Hag is spot on! 🧐⚽ Man Utd’s biggest issue is definitely not scoring enough goals. With so many chances created, it’s time for the team to step up! 💪🔴 Let’s hope they find their scoring boots against Tottenham! #MUFC