Analysis: Which areas of Man United’s game need work?

Manchester United can be considered as one of the most successful teams in the Premier League right now. They’re also, ironically, a little bit of a waste in terms of their form.

The majority of the season has been devoted to the Red Devils’ attempt to pass for a respectable football team, failing Erik ten Hag’s ambitions to transform the team into the most formidable transitional squad in the world.

Although United had some cause for optimism going into Ten Hag’s second season, most of the good vibe has left Old Trafford. However, at least United entered the November international break on something of a positive note following more disappointment in Europe, as they defeated Luton Town on Saturday.

United must improve in a variety of areas, including passing, generating opportunities, and defending at Carrington before they return to competitive action.

Rasmus Hojlund is no longer a member of Denmark’s international team, so good news, United supporters, there’s no possibility he’ll be hurt playing on an international level. But the bad news is – he’s already injured…

Hojlund has played in eight Premier League games for United, however, he has yet to contribute a goal for the Red Devils, despite being one of the team’s top players this season and appearing to be a player worth the £72 million transfer cost they paid to Atalanta.

This is partly to blame because this season United hasn’t done much to create opportunities for their central strikers to hit the net. Even if Hojlund doesn’t get enough ball play in the ideal spots on the pitch, he still makes an effort and enjoys engaging in physical altercations with opposing defenders. He had an opportunity against Luton which goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski brilliantly saved from close range.

It’s not only Hojlund who is having problems with hitting the next. With only three goals each, midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay are United’s highest scorers in the Premier League this season. There has only been one goal scored by the forwards Hojlund, Rashford, Garnacho, Antony, Pellistri, Martial and Sancho combined.

Bruno Fernandes isn’t demonstrating his enthusiasm and competitiveness by throwing a tantrum, though. The lack of effort shown by United may be a fitness concern, especially in light of the current injury situation, but that does not make for good optics in the age of global competitiveness. 

While players like Rashford and Garnacho have had success finding a clear path to the goal, Hojlund doesn’t have nearly as much luck… Simply put, he hasn’t been as useful as he was during the previous season.

Before club football returns, it is anticipated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will complete the purchase of a 25% share in United. With a big disclaimer attached, this should, in theory, mark the beginning of a new era at United. Positive vibes should carry over to the field following this. 

The United roster appeared to be divided earlier in the season. One problem is several players’ body language; another is that some are just not physically fit enough.

Remember, the Dutchman is now only attempting to keep the majority of his players healthy as they transition from one game to the next. So the question is, will United recover in time?