Manchester United’s recent struggles and misfortunes have been attributed, in part, to what their manager Erik ten Hag believes to be a series of bad luck, particularly in regards to refereeing decisions. Ten Hag has expressed frustration over the number of penalties his team has conceded compared to the ones they have been awarded. Additionally, injuries and players’ absences have plagued United this season, with the majority of the squad having spent time on the sidelines due to various issues.
The absence of key players, such as the first-choice left-backs, has had a significant impact on United’s playing style and ability to perform. Despite attempts to improve the medical department and training methods, injuries and absences continue to be a challenge for the team. Ten Hag’s intense training sessions and the team’s fast-paced playing style have also come under scrutiny as potential factors contributing to their struggles this season.
On a statistical level, United’s defensive record and their willingness to allow shots on goal have raised questions about their overall performance. While United face a high number of shots, the quality of these chances is often low, resulting in a lower probability of scoring for the opposition. Despite their defensive challenges, Ten Hag has defended United’s approach by highlighting the low quality of chances faced.
In terms of expected goals and goal difference, United’s statistics paint a mixed picture of their performance this season. While their actual goal difference is relatively close to zero, their expected goal difference is among the worst in the league. However, a favorable run of fixtures could potentially change perceptions and narratives around United, allowing them to showcase their true potential against weaker opposition.
Moving forward, United will need to address their injury concerns, defensive vulnerabilities, and overall performance to achieve better results. While luck may play a role in their fortunes, improvements in player availability, training methods, and defensive tactics could help them overcome their challenges and showcase their true capabilities on the field.
