Manchester United have made an inconsistent start to the season and despite all of their troubles, they are in good stead to kick on and improve on last season’s second-place finish and Europa League final place.
Heavy investments were made over the summer, with Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo all joining the club in high-profile transfers.
Only Ronaldo has made a notable difference so far, with the 36-year-old scoring nine goals in his first 11 appearances back at the club – 12 years after initially leaving for Real Madrid.
Scoring goals has never been an issue for United under Solskjaer. In truth, it has always been their one standout strength. Instead, defensive woes have cost them and that theme has continued this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have conceded 15 goals in 10 games this season, a record similar to their disastrous start last year.
Big chances conceded 2021/22:
30 – Newcastle
27 – Norwich
24 – Man Utd#FPL pic.twitter.com/OWYMPYjIf6— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) November 4, 2021
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The defensive structure just doesn’t look right at the moment and the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool two weeks ago underlined their lack of cohesion in their defensive third. Only Newcastle and Norwich have conceded more ‘big chances’ than Manchester United, which is particularly worrying considering both clubs are in the relegation places.
Going into the season, the ambition was to challenge for this year’s Premier League crown but with an average of 2.4 big chances conceded per game, that prospect is fading with each passing week.
