Manchester United: Erik ten Hag's Side Languishing as Premier League's Biggest Underachievers

Is There a Path to Improvement for Manchester United?

The current season has seen Manchester United struggling, sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table, but is there a silver lining on the horizon? After a lackluster 1-1 draw against Twente, Erik ten Hag expressed disappointment over his team's effort level, indicating that they lacked 99% commitment.

The Reality of Manchester United’s Rankings

Despite occupying the 11th position in the Premier League (after five games), several underlying metrics suggest an upward trajectory. When examining key attacking categories, United ranks in the top five this season, highlighting notable progress compared to the previous term.

Defensive Improvements to Note

• The number of shots faced by United has decreased significantly, dropping from 667 shots last season to substantially fewer this term.
• With only five clubs facing fewer shots, United's defense appears to be solidifying, with a league-leading 59 interceptions.

From Overachievers to Underachievers: What Changed?

According to the expected Premier League table based on expected goals (xG), United could be positioned as high as fifth, just three points behind league leaders Manchester City. This showcases their potential, yet they are classified as the league's joint-biggest underachievers alongside Southampton.

Analyzing Goal Scoring Deficiencies

United’s actual performance has fallen short of expectations, scoring roughly five goals less than what was anticipated based on their chance creation. Specifically, they have missed a league-high 17 big chances, which is five more than any other side.

Key Players Missing Opportunities

• Bruno Fernandes currently stands at 1.86 xG but has yet to score.
• Joshua Zirkee and Alejandro Garnacho have each scored only once despite expectations of at least two goals.

Who Is Showing Promise?

In terms of creativity and movement, Amad Diallo has been a standout performer, earning significant playing time early in the campaign. His ability to get into the box and create opportunities showcases the potential for improvement.

The Impact of Inconsistency

Marcus Rashford has experienced a roller-coaster start to the season, scoring his first goal since March, along with a double against Barnsley, yet his inconsistency raises questions about his future as a central striker. His performance varies, evidenced by his starting position in recent matches.

Defensive Partnerships Under Scrutiny

There is an ongoing issue in defense, with no centre-back partnership logging more than 500 league minutes together since last season. The most utilized pairing involves Jonny Evans and the now-retired Raphael Varane.

Financial Backing for Erik Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has undergone a thorough review in the summer and has been granted continued support from INEOS. His tenure has seen financial backing, with an overall expenditure exceeding £616.8 million on player acquisitions — a sum surpassed only by Chelsea.

The Road Ahead

As Ten Hag prepares for daunting fixtures against top-tier teams such as Tottenham, Porto, and Aston Villa, this period is critical for United. The challenge lies in translating their favorable underlying statistics into tangible results on the pitch.

Conclusion

The path ahead is rife with challenges, but with potential improvements in several areas — both offensively and defensively — Manchester United fans remain hopeful that their side will eventually convert opportunities into goals.

For the latest updates on Manchester United’s performance and individual player stats, be sure to stay tuned and follow the matches closely.