Manchester United: Why Erik ten Hag's Side Is the Premier League's Biggest Underachievers

Manchester United's Season Struggles: An In-Depth Analysis

The jury remains undecided on Manchester United's current trajectory as they find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Despite the club’s struggles, recent metrics suggest a glimmer of hope that improvement may be on the horizon.

Ten Hag's Concerns Over Team Performance

After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Twente in the Europa League, Erik ten Hag lamented his team's lack of effort, stating they exhibited only 99% commitment. Currently, the team ranks 11th in the Premier League after just five matches.

Are There Signs of Improvement?

Despite their low league position, the underlying statistics reveal that Manchester United has indeed made strides since last season. In the initial five league matches of this term, they have scored well in several key attacking metrics, placing them in the top five.

Defensive Record Shows Progress

Last season, United struggled defensively, facing a staggering 667 shots in the Premier League—only Sheffield United experienced more pressure. Remarkably, this season, they have managed to halve that number per match and currently rank among the clubs facing fewer shots.

Impressive Defensive Stats

In addition to facing fewer shots, United has made a league-leading 59 interceptions, showcasing an improvement in defensive discipline and activity on the pitch.

Understanding Manchester United's Position

If we look at the expected Premier League table based on expected goals (xG), Manchester United would move up six places, sitting in fifth and just three points shy of Premier League leaders Manchester City. However, their actual league position does not reflect this expected performance.

Underachievement in Vital Areas

Currently, United is recognized as one of the league's most significant underachievers alongside Southampton. Last season, the team overperformed, finishing eighth while their xG suggested a 14th-place standing, indicating inefficiencies in converting chances.

Scoring Deficiencies

Inconsistency in front of goal has plagued the team. They have scored five goals less than expected according to their chances created. With a league-high 17 missed big chances to date, this underperformance is significant. Bruno Fernandes, who has an xG of 1.86, remains without a goal, highlighting the team’s struggles in converting ideal opportunities.

Spotlight on Key Players

Among those falling short of expectations are Joshua Zirkee and Alejandro Garnacho, both failing to capitalize on their scoring chances. Contrastingly, Amad Diallo has been a bright spot in terms of creating opportunities.

Mystifying Inconsistency

Marcus Rashford has shown flashes of potential with recent goals but remains inconsistent, having started as a substitute in crucial matches. Questions linger about his effectiveness as a central forward.

Ten Hag's Financial Backing and Squad Investment

Entering his third season at the helm, Ten Hag has received significant financial backing from INEOS, with a total expenditure of £616.8 million on player acquisitions—second only to Chelsea. Currently, the squad is valued at around £888 million, underscoring the resources at Ten Hag's disposal.

Looking Ahead: A Critical Phase for Manchester United

With a crucial fixture against Tottenham on the horizon, followed by a trip to Porto in the Europa League and a matchup against high-flying Aston Villa, the pressure mounts for Ten Hag. This period is pivotal for the team as they aim to translate underlying performance statistics into tangible results on the pitch.

Conclusion

Despite their current league standing, Manchester United has shown signs of improvement in various areas. However, as they face a critical moment in their season, the challenge remains to convert potential into performance.