Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that Manchester United must “kill in the box” after managing to score only five goals in the Premier League this season, resulting in a goal difference of zero.
In the previous season, United achieved 57 goals while conceding 58. On Saturday, they again failed to score, ending in a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, despite holding a dominant possession (66% to 34%) and taking 15 shots, six of which were on target.
Among Ten Hag’s forwards, Joshua Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho have each scored once this season, while the newly signed defender Matthijs de Ligt has accounted for the team’s other league goal. When asked if he is worried about United’s attacking performance this season, Ten Hag responded, “Worried? We create numerous chances in our early matches. Last week we netted seven against Barnsley [in the Carabao Cup], which indicates our capability to score many goals. However, we must focus on improving that aspect and finish our chances in the box.”
Regarding whether his forwards need to enhance their mental approach, Ten Hag stated, “There are various elements at play here. The most crucial aspect is our ability to create chances. We generate a lot of promising moments; we are very creative and have numerous opportunities to score. It’s essential to maintain this momentum and work on our finishing.”
United will host Twente on Wednesday for their opening match in the newly expanded 32-team Europa League format. Ten Hag was asked if this tournament holds greater significance since the winners advance to the Champions League. “Yes – I see it as an opportunity. There are multiple pathways to achieve our objectives, and this is definitely one of those paths,” he explained. “However, it is likely the most challenging, considering it is a tournament of 32 teams. You must excel to succeed, but it is a goal we aspire to.”
He added, “The reason it is challenging is that you could end up being eliminated. However, we must not look too far ahead. As you know, our ambition is to win every competition, and this is one of them.”
To reach the final in Bilbao on 21 May, United could potentially play 17 matches. While Ten Hag is open to the new format, he is worried about the increased burden on players. “It’s evident that there are excessive games and too many competitions,” the Dutchman remarked. “The players are overloaded, which is detrimental to football. Perhaps this benefits commercial interests, but there is a threshold that cannot be ignored.”
skip past newsletter promotion
Sign up to Football Daily
Kick off your evenings with the Guardian’s take on the world of football
Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
after newsletter promotion
Luke Shaw might return from injury before the international break next month. “Probably, but I’m not 100% sure,” Ten Hag remarked. “He could be back shortly after the break.”
Erik ten Hag Urges Manchester United to Improve Finishing After Stagnant Goal Scoring Start
Manchester United, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, has had a sluggish start to the season, particularly in terms of goal scoring. With Erik ten Hag at the helm, the focus on improving finishing has become paramount. This article delves into Ten Hag’s insights, the club’s current challenges, and actionable strategies to enhance their scoring prowess.
Current Performance Overview
As of the latest fixtures, Manchester United has struggled to find the back of the net consistently. Their lackluster offensive displays have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. A few key statistics illustrate this stagnant goal-scoring start:
| Matchday | Opponent | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brighton | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Brentford | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Arsenal | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | Newcastle | 1 | 0 |
Erik ten Hag’s Analysis
Erik ten Hag has been vocal about the need for improvement in Manchester United’s finishing. He pointed out several key areas requiring urgent attention:
- Decision-Making: Players need to make quicker and more effective decisions in the final third.
- Technical Skills: Improvement in shooting accuracy and composure is essential.
- Positioning: Better positioning during attacking plays can lead to more goal-scoring opportunities.
Quotes from Ten Hag
After recent matches, Ten Hag expressed his concerns: “We have to be more clinical. We create chances, but not taking them is what separates winning teams from the rest.” His commitment to nurturing a more effective attacking strategy is evident in his training regimen and match preparations.
Challenges in Goal Scoring
Several challenges contribute to Manchester United’s stagnation in goal scoring:
Injury Issues
Key players have faced injuries, limiting squad rotation and affecting on-field chemistry. The absence of star forwards has particularly hampered goal production.
Defensive Mentality
There’s been a tendency to prioritize defensive solidity over offensive flair, which can result in a lack of creativity and urgency in attack.
Pressure and Expectations
The immense pressure to perform at Manchester United can weigh heavily on players, leading to hesitancy in critical moments. Cultivating a positive mindset is crucial.
Benefits of Improving Finishing
Enhancing finishing skills can yield numerous benefits for Manchester United:
- Increased Confidence: Scoring regularly boosts players’ confidence, leading to better overall performances.
- Winning Matches: Improved finishing can directly translate into match victories, lifting team morale.
- Attracting Talent: A strong attacking lineup can attract top players in the transfer market.
Practical Tips for Improvement
Here are some practical strategies that could help Manchester United refine their finishing skills:
1. Focused Training Sessions
Incorporating specialized drills that emphasize shooting accuracy and decision-making can help players become more adept in front of goal.
2. Video Analysis
Utilizing video analysis to study scoring opportunities and missed chances can provide valuable insights. Players can learn from their mistakes and see what successful strikers do differently.
3. Mental Conditioning
Engaging sports psychologists to work on mental resilience can help players handle pressure better, especially during critical match situations.
4. Utilizing Set Pieces
Improving set-piece execution can provide additional scoring opportunities. Focusing on corner kicks and free kicks can maximize goal-scoring potential.
Case Studies of Successful Strikers
Examining the careers of successful strikers can provide valuable lessons for Manchester United’s forwards:
1. Thierry Henry
Known for his clinical finishing and movement, Henry’s ability to create space and make quick decisions in the box made him one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history.
2. Alan Shearer
Shearer’s poaching instinct and powerful shooting ability set him apart. He demonstrated the importance of positioning and anticipation in goal scoring.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic and commitment to honing his craft highlight that improvement is always possible, regardless of talent.
First-Hand Experience
As a fan, witnessing Manchester United’s struggles has been disheartening. However, observing Ten Hag’s strategic adjustments provides hope for improvement. His attentive approach to analyzing each player’s performance and his emphasis on teamwork suggests that brighter days are ahead.
Conclusion
While the path to improvement may seem daunting, the combination of Ten Hag’s leadership, strategic training, and player commitment to enhancing finishing skills can transform Manchester United’s goal scoring. As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate a turnaround in fortunes on the pitch.
