Erik ten Hag says lack of goals Manchester United’s biggest problem

MANCHESTER – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has highlighted a lack of goals as the major factor behind the English giants’ faltering start to the season.

There was fresh frustration for the Dutchman, now in his third campaign at Old Trafford, when United were held to

a 1-1 draw at home to lowly ranked FC Twente

in their Europa League opener.

That result followed an uninspiring goal-less stalemate at Crystal Palace in the English Premier League on Sept 22.

United 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 Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sept 29.

The Red Devils have also recorded the most big chances missed in the league with 17 from five games.

When asked at a pre-match press conference on Sept 26 what is United’s biggest issue at the moment, ten Hag 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.

“Across all games, we have more possession... and then it’s about what we do with the possession. We bring the ball into the final third, we bring the ball into the box a lot... but we have to take advantage of it.”

Among the culprits is creative and goalscoring midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has only one assist in the league and has yet to score in this campaign, with the playmaker being criticised for his performances against Palace and Twente.

Fatigue could be a factor, as the 30-year-old played over 4,000 minutes for United before representing Portugal at Euro 2024 in a gruelling last season.

Ten Hag has jumped to the defence of his captain, saying it is only a matter of time before Fernandes, who signed a new contract in August, returns to his best.

“The team brings him in a situation. He is capable and he has proven already, so many times in the Premier League, he can create many chances,” the 54-year-old said.

“I am convinced he will not do differently. He will find his form. He is already creating chances, but he will make final passes, he will score goals 100 per cent. It is just a matter of time.”

The under-fire ten Hag has an ally in Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who said the Dutchman had done a “great job” despite the criticism, and added that he was looking forward to the clash at Old Trafford.

“He keeps mentioning he’s won two trophies and that’s not insignificant. Everyone keeps saying that is all I need to do, but then there is always something expected after. It is a difficult job,” said Postecoglou.

“It is tough to go to Old Trafford. Irrespective of managers, it is still a rather compelling home record. It is one we will be ready for.”

While Postecoglou will be boosted by the fact that United have not beaten Spurs for two years, he is worried about the availability of captain Son Heung-min after the star forward was taken off in the second half of their 3-0 home win over Qarabag in the Europa League on Sept 26.

The 32-year-old has been a key player for Spurs with two goals and two assists this season, and has scored 164 goals for the north London side since joining in 2015.

“It’s still early days from last night. Fair to say, the boys that put in a shift are fairly tired,” said Postecoglou, 59.

“Apart from Sonny, everyone’s OK, but I don’t think it’s too bad (with Son).

“He wants to train tomorrow, so we’ll see how he goes at training and make a decision from there. We have another day up our sleeve to give him every chance.”

Striker Richarlison has returned to field training but is not expected to make the trip to Old Trafford, while winger Wilson Odobert is out with a hamstring injury.

For United, ten Hag has no fresh concerns. Defenders Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro have been on the sidelines and expected not to be in contention for a return against Spurs. AFP, REUTERS