Manchester United rank third across Europe’s major leagues for clean sheets in all competitions.
The statistic is a testament to the instant impact Erik ten Hag has instilled this season. United now have 15 clean sheets in 27 games, joint with Barcelona and one behind Newcastle – who lead the list with 16.
Most clean sheets in all competitions from teams in major European leagues 👀 pic.twitter.com/f0qDTs0uBD
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 26, 2023
In comparison with last season, United kept just 10 clean sheets across the campaign in 49 matches.
The method behind the madness
David de Gea has been sensational and has provided some crucial saves to keep the scoreline in the Reds’ favour this season, whilst the addition of Lisandro Martinez to partner Raphael Varane has been pivotal to the change in United’s defensive unit. The pair are perhaps the strongest centre-back partnership in the Premier League.
Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have provided excellent rotation between one another to cover the flanks, with the Englishman even taking shifts at centre-back when needed. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have also been superb when called upon, even despite falling down the pecking order slightly.
A significant reason behind the drastic change is Casemiro; his presence on the pitch, his dominance, strength, aerial threat and ability to read the game has him in contention for United’s Player of the Season. He is the exact figure that supporters have been crying out for for years, and he is worth his weight in gold. It’s not often you can say that a £80 million fee for a player robbed the other club, but he was an absolute bargain.
