Erik ten Hag was fɾυȿτɾɑted with Manchester United’s wastefulness in the 2-0 pre-season defeat to Real Madrid with Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho coming in for criticism.
According to stats provided by theofficial Premier League website,Manchester Unitedcreated more ‘big chances’ in the top-flight last season than Arsenal. 84 to the Gunners’ 73.
The fact thatErik Ten Hag’steam scored a staggeringthirtyfewer goals than Mikel Arteta’s, then, should go a long way to explaining why – after bringing inMason Mount and Andre Onana– theRed Devilsare desperate to land a new centre-forward before 2023/24 kicks off in just over a fortnight’s time.
Manchester United lose to Real Madrid in America
Wednesday night’s 2-0 defeat to a clinical Real Madrid in Houston was a continuation of the theme. No shortage of creativity from United, but a lack of ruthlessness costing them dear.
And it’s telling that, when asked at full-time whether the performance highlighted United’s glaring need for a clinical finisher, Ten Hag responded with typical frankness.
“Absolutely,” the Dutchman told theManchester Evening News.
“Two things: the pressing can be better from the start and scoring goals. And I think we need more players who are capable to be in the one-on-ones.”
Rashford, McTominay and Garnacho were all guilty of squandering opportunities in the penalty area.McTominay was deniedby Thibaut Courtois following a τɾɑԀєmark burst into the penalty area, while Garnacho lashed over after turning Dani Carvaljal inside-out.
“We had the situations. It was Rashford, Scott McTominay, Garnacho. You have to score,” Ten Hag adds. “It’s always difficult to see, but we are working 24/7 (to improve).”
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
The good news is that a Ԁєɑł for Atalanta poacher Rasmus Hojlund appears to be progressing fast;Alfredo Pedullaɾєρօɾτing that a five-year Ԁєɑł wortharound £70,000-a-weekhas been agreed already.
Ten Hag kept his cards close to his chest when pressed further on United’s transfer ρłɑɴs, however.
“We never talk about players under contract with another club,” he said. “We have our targets. We are 24/7, we are busy with it, (trying to find) the right player to sign a contract with us.”
