United have suffered 11 Premier League defeats so far in 29 top-flight matches played. At the moment, Erik ten Hag’s men lie in sixth position in the table, 19 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and 11 below fourth-placed Aston Villa.

As it stands, attaining Champions League football appears to be an almost impossible task for United, who almost certainly need a stroke of luck to achieve the feat.

Earlier in the campaign, the Red Devils endured a humiliating Champions League run that saw them eliminated in the group stage after finishing rock-bottom with just one victory to their name.

United were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle in the fourth round of the competition. At the moment, the FA Cup represents United’s only chance of lifting silverware this term and somewhat salvaging their mediocre season.

Central to United’s misfortunes on the pitch, has been the players’ mental fragility and in some instances, a lack of focus.

United players have this term developed a tendency of conceding goals almost immediately after they’ve scored.

On several occasions, the 20-time English champions have found the back of the net, only for the opposing team to run up the other end and breach Andre Onana’s goal with laughable ease.

This annoying trend was one of the club’s main undoings in the Champions League before they were eliminated. It happened in games against Bayern Munich and twice vs. Galatasaray.

In September last year at the Allianz Arena, Bayern had taken a two-goal advantage courtesy of first-half strikes from Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry in the 28th and 32nd minutes respectively. United looked like they were dead and buried but Rasmus Hojlund restored some hope with a 49th-minute finish. Just four minutes later, however, the Dane’s efforts were undone as Harry Kane beat Onana from the penalty spot to put his side firmly back in the driving seat. In the 88th minute and with the game nearing its end, Casemiro scored once again to set up the possibility of a late showdown. It was never to be as United could not hold on to stage a fightback because Bayern’s Mathys Tel scored three minutes after Casemiro’s goal to all but put the tie to bed.

United would go on to lose 4-3 in Munich.

The same script occurred again just two weeks later, this time at Old Trafford against Galatasaray on matchday 2 of the Champions League.

Hojlund gave United the lead in the 17th minute. The Turkish giants were clearly not deterred by the setback and capitalised on a lapse of concentration and pitiful defending from Ten Hag’s stars to restore parity just six minutes later through Wilfried Zaha.

The United n.o 11 completed his brace in the 67th minute but United gave up their lead yet again four minutes later when Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu made no mistake with the opportunity that was presented to him. Galatasaray registered a 3-2 win on United’s grounds and left Ten Hag and his players with a mountain to climb in their efforts to make it out of the group.

When United made their way to RAMS Park in November for the return leg vs. Galatasaray, Scott McTominay’s sliding finish in the 55th minute that gave the team a two-goal advantage was cancelled out just seven minutes later when Hakim Ziyech scored for the Super Lig outfit.

Sadly, this has been the case for United, not only in the Champions League but also in the Premier League.

Brentford’s last-gasp equaliser on Saturday, just three minutes after Mason Mount’s opening strike in the 96th minute at the Gtech Community Stadium was the 13th time United have conceded within 10 minutes of scoring themselves. it was also the shortest time United have held onto a lead this season since Martin Odegaard’s goal offset Marcus Rashford’s brilliant opener in Arsenal’s 3-1 win at the Emirates in September.

Even more worrying for Ten Hag and his coaching staff is that United seem to be prone to conceding goals in quick succession.

United have also let in 13 goals this season within 10 minutes of conceding.

The club conceded twice within four minutes at home vs. Nottingham Forest in August and also yielded two goals in five minutes against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Emirates just a few days later.

United also conceded twice in five minutes against both Bournemouth and Aston Villa at home in the ongoing 2023/24 campaign.

The X (formerly Twitter) post below shows how many times and the exact minutes respectively, that United have conceded a goal within 10 minutes of scoring or letting in a goal this season.

After scoring- 13

Arsenal 1
Bayern 4+4
Gala 6+4
Sheff Utd 6
Gala 7
Forest 4
Spurs 6
Wolves 10
Luton 7
Fulham 8
Brentford 3

After conceding – 13

Forest 2
Arsenal 5
Bayern 4
Gala 9+10
Newcastle 7
Copenhagen 4+9
Bournemouth 5
West Ham 6
Villa 5
Wolves 10
Liverpool 3

— Daniel Castle (@RonnLennon) March 31, 2024

These stats are yet another shocking indictment of Ten Hag and just how far the standards have fallen this campaign.

It’s unacceptable and reprehensible that United seem unable to capitalise on scoring ahead of their rivals or when they concede, the floodgates open completely.

It points to a deep-rooted mentality issue among the players that urgently needs to be addressed. Unfortunately for United, the damage this season may have already been done and the club will pay dearly for the mistakes made by way of missing out on the Champions League.

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Erik ten Hag has inexplicably claimed that he does not mind his team giving up 31 shots as long as they get the right result.

Manchester United’s defence has been questionable all season as they conceded a ridiculous 15 goals in their Champions League group.

Despite the impressive, pulsating 4-3 win over Liverpool, they did concede 25 chances, meaning they have allowed their opposition 56 chances in the past two games.

Whilst their goals against column is decent for Premier League standards, fans are more worried about the sheer number of chances the side gives up.

Brentford cut through United with ease last night and it was miracle it took them until the 99th minute to find a goal.

Also as relayed by The Peoples Person, Brentford finished the game with 85 touches in the United box, the most any team has managed in the league in the past five years.

Commenting after the game in his post-match press conference (via 90 Min), the Dutch boss seemed worryingly nonchalant about the situation.

When asked if he was concerned about the number of chances Brentford created he retorted, “As long as we get results, no.

“I explain it once more: we defended low by times and because Brentford are very direct we lost many many second balls and we had to defend the box.

“We had a great goalkeeper, he was brilliant tonight, we have to say that also. Our results are quite consistent from January on but we concede shots, but we don’t concede so many goals.”

Worryingly, the former Ajax coach does not seem to grasp that results won’t come if you continuously gift the opposition so many opportunities to score.

Furthermore, while results have been decent in 2024, the performances have not been, where the Red Devils were regularly outplayed by their opponent.

The statistics back this up.

The Peoples Person has relayed that United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has had to make more saves than anyone in the league except Luton Town’s Thomas Kaminski and West Ham’s Alphonse Areola.

Only Kaminski (111) & Areola (108) have made more saves in the Premier League than Andre Onana (107).

Another busy night for Andre. pic.twitter.com/GMHbtoksDj

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 30, 2024

On the surface this looks good for Onana’s improved form but the truth is a Manchester United goalkeeper should not be examined so many times in a season.

Depressingly, the trend only seems to be getting worse as in 2024, the Red Devils faced 181 shots, the most among any team in the English top-flight.

In 2024, Man Utd have conceded 181 shots in the Premier League, more than any other side.

Leaky. pic.twitter.com/3kkWVqiQJs

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 30, 2024

What’s more, Manchester United have been outshot in 16 Premier League games this season. The Old Trafford outfit have only played 29 games, so in well over half, Ten Hag’s team are facing more shots than they are creating.

Manchester United have been outshot in SIXTEEN Premier League games this season. Man City, Arsenal & Liverpool combined have been outshot in just TEN games between them. Man Utd have been outshot in the following games this season:

Wolves (h)
Arsenal (a)
Burnley (a)
Man City (h)… pic.twitter.com/pj9s4ysDHy

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 30, 2024

This is understandable when you travel to the Etihad or Anfield but at home to Wolves and Everton is an incredibly different story.

One would imagine a coach with the experience and CV of Ten Hag probably does have a problem with the number of chances being created against his beleaguered side. But his public opinions will get him little favour from fans.

However, the fact that he is seemingly not doing anything about it will most likely be the final nail in his coffin regarding his Old Trafford fate.

The post Erik ten Hag gives scarcely believable response to Manchester United’s gaping defensive issues appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Kieran McKenna’s reputation as a manager has continued to flourish as the former Manchester United coach has taken Ipswich Town from League One strugglers to the cusp of promotion to the Premier League.

The Athletic have taken a deep dive into the story behind the success of the former United man.

The young coach was brought to Old Trafford in 2016 with a strong reputation and his former boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, lavished praise on him, describing the 37-year-old as the “most thorough and analytical, step-by-step, process-driven coach that I’ve worked with”.

In spite of this, the Northern Irishman was often criticised by United fans and did not seem to have the total respect of the United dressing room during his time at the club. Some players were described as unhappy with his “dry schoolteacher” approach.

However, since joining Ipswich in 2021 to take up his first senior management position, he has not looked back.

The Athletic wax lyrical on the manager’s reputation as a “relentless entertainer” who is “such an impressive manager” because “Ipswich are winning while playing entertaining football. There are goals at the death, dramatic fightbacks and the surging attacks that define his brand of football”.

In fact, since the start of last season, “no manager in English football’s top four leagues has won more points than the Northern Irishman as the Suffolk side chase back-to-back promotions”.

Interestingly, McKenna has won 27 more points than Pep Guardiola at City in this time frame. Yes, it is true that they play eight more games in League One and the Championship than the Premier League. However, the Ulsterman still impresses as he sits third in points per game won with an outstanding 2.13 points per match. Just ahead of Jurgen Klopp, and only behind Mikel Arteta and Guardiola. Not bad company to keep.

Another impressive feat for the former United coach is that he has also been able to turn the whole atmosphere and culture of the club around.

When he arrived at the club, the Tractor Boys had an underwhelming expected goals statistic under both Paul Lambert and Paul Cook however, in contrast, McKenna “hit the ground running and has not seen his Ipswich slow down, even as they have competed in a higher division this season”.

This is probably one of the biggest achievements of the former United coach. It is one thing playing this way in a lower division, but to successfully carry over his risky style of football into an objectively much stronger league is admirable.

Portman Road has loved the evolution of playing style and it has been described as “electric” and has been revitalised with the exciting brand of football being served up in comparison to the drab style of previous coaches.

Consequently, he has been labelled as “arguably the most exciting young manager in England” and if Ipswich cannot gain promotion automatically or through the playoffs this season, he could still end up in the Premier League next year.

Another factor that sets the manager apart is his strength in getting his message across. “His players speak of how effective he is in explaining tactics, each one clear on their role and that of their team-mates. That understanding between players becomes clear when watching any of Ipswich’s numerous and thrilling defence-to-attack goals that are so typical of McKenna’s style of play”.

“Few teams can progress the ball as quickly from the goalkeeper through to attack, leaving the opposition chasing shadows. That type of synchronisation and chemistry between players does not happen if they work as individuals”.

Older members of Ipswich’s teams such as captain Sam Morsy and Massimo Luongo, aged 32 and 31 respectively, have also praised McKenna’s ability to “find new dimensions” to their games and the creation of a culture that everyone can improve.

His young age of 37 is also seen as a positive by the players as they see it as “important in building personal relationships”, especially with the senior members of the squad.

Such progress has seen the Northern Irishman linked to Crystal Palace in February when Roy Hodgson left. It was also reported that he is now a “hot commodity” among Premier League clubs.

Some have even suggested the manager is ready fill the Old Trafford hotseat should Erik ten Hag be sacked at the end of the current campaign.

The Peoples Person has already argued that there is no need to rush an appointment, as he needs time to develop and prove that his impressive style can take root in the Premier League.

However, McKenna is “a risk that has paid off handsomely for Ipswich” and nobody can ague that he hasn’t shown “he is capable of taking a mid-table team and making them one of the best sides in the country. Not bad for a 37-year-old”.

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An article a day until any worries about the United squad drift away.

With the upcoming transfer window constituting the first major test of the INEOS revolution at Old Trafford, it is imperative the club’s new leadership structure hit the mark this summer with new signings. And with uncertainty over the long-term future of Erik ten Hag likely to continue until the end of the season, any players INEOS identify will have to possess quality and tactical flexibility in equal measure, to account for a potential managerial change.

So too will budgetary restraints be a factor.

As explained in greater detail here, INEOS are expected to be armed with a considerable war-chest for their first transfer window, but five different areas needing five different solutions means the club will need to be mindful with their money. The Peoples Person anticipate a budget in the region of £250 million, helped by sales and expensive contracts coming to an end.

Our previous editions have covered targets at centre-back, left-back, and the right-wing. Today, The Peoples Person focuses on a position of considerable concern for United this year- centre-forward.

The Misfiring Attack

It’s no secret Ten Hag’s side have struggled in front of goal this year.

With only 39 goals scored, United are the lowest scoring team in the top half of the Premier League table. A further five clubs in the bottom half have also outscored the misfiring Reds, including newly-promoted Luton. Despite possessing the joint-fourth best defensive record, United have a goal difference of zero. In a fiercely-contested race for Champions League qualification, this could prove decisive.

Most tellingly, Scott McTominay is the club’s top goal scorer in the league, with seven goals. No other statistic is needed beyond this to explain why United are currently languished in sixth place, seventeen points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Yet, if you were to ask most United fans this season who has been amongst the club’s best performers, the vast majority would include Rasmus Hojlund on their list. So how can the club’s chief goal scorer be playing well, yet the team be unable to score goals?

Well, firstly, Hojlund is a 20-year-old forward with only one year of experience in a major league prior to this season. The transfer fee agreed with Atalanta, which could reach as high as £72 million, reflects his potential as a striker as much as his reality as one at this moment. A slow start to life in the rigours of English football should have been expected for a player so young.

Secondly, a team’s attacking threat is not solely down to their striker; it’s a collective responsibility. United have attacked poorly this season as a team, not just as individuals. A combination of the squad being decimated by injuries and an unworkable system implemented by Ten Hag have led to these poor collective performances.

Nonetheless, individually, players like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Antony, Mason Mount, and Jadon Sancho have still also severely underperformed. These experienced stars would be expected to help a young player like Hojlund. Instead, they have outsourced the responsibility of carrying United’s attack onto him.

And yet, since Boxing Day, the Dane has shouldered this pressure remarkably well.

Hojlund scored the winner against Aston Villa at Old Trafford and has not looked back. Since this excellently taken goal, Hojlund has scored a further six, while also providing three assists, in the nine games he’s played. United have won seven of these, drawing only one.

In the five games he’s missed through injury, they’ve lost three times, including the abysmal 2-1 losses to Nottingham Forest and Fulham. If United have won both of these games, as would be likely with Hojlund up top, they’d currently be level on points with Spurs.

The effect on the team when the Dane is on the pitch versus the effect when he’s not is stark.

A Capable Deputy 

This disparity in performance is driven by the fact there is not a viable alternative to Hojlund in the squad, given the injury prone Martial is, naturally, injured.

Even when fit, which is rare, the Frenchman is an ineffective deputy to Hojlund, lacking any sense of dynamism or goal threat. Since Ten Hag took the helm at Old Trafford, Martial has missed 39 games through injury. In the games he has played across the last two season, he’s scored 11 times. Hojlund, by comparison, has scored 13 in his first seven months in England.

Furthermore, Martial’s contract will expire at the end of the season, after the club made the long overdue decision to move on from the 28-year-old.

This makes a new striker is essential this summer, to both lighten the burden for goals on Hojlund, but also to free the United team’s dependence on their dynamic Dane. Without this addition, Ten Hag’s side could be destined to repeat their attacking impotence once again next season.

The First Choice Target

Given this role is for a back-up option, United need to target a player who will not cost an arm and leg, nor demand a large wage packet, while also being a guaranteed source of goals, and also be able to support Hojlund, rather than displace him.

Easy right?

Well, given the INEOS Sport team’s experience in football thus far has largely come in France with Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, it actually is.

While strikers like Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney will be on the move this summer, these are first-choice players who would drain United’s budget, and expect to be undisputed starters. The club should not waste its time chasing them.

Instead, the striker United must pursue this summer is LOSC Lille’s Canadian centre-forward – Jonathan David; a player INEOS are reported to already be considering a move for. Great minds hey?

Possessing a well-rounded skillset, David is a jack-of-all-trades style striker who would fit the bill at United perfectly. He is a willing presser who works hard in both directions; has good link-up play ability; and has only missed three games through injury across the last four seasons. He would function as a suitable compliment to Hojlund, rather than an unhelpful competitor.

The 24-year-old has also been one of the most increasingly consistent goal scorers in Europe across the last four seasons, outside of the continent’s traditional ‘big’ clubs, since signing from Gent in 2020 for a €30 million fee – a record for a Canadian player.

In the 2020/21 season, aged just 20, David scored 13 times and provided 2 assists. The following year – 2021/22 – he scored 19 times. Last year, David finished the 2022/23 season with 26 goals and 4 assists. This year the Canadian has scored 22 times while contributing 7 assists, with two months of the season still to play.

Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more times in Ligue 1 than David this season.

There has been an impressive improvement to David’s returns which suggest he is ready to take the next step at a bigger club. This is made even more likely by the 24-year-old’s contract situation, with only twelve months remaining on his deal come the summer. For a club like Lille, this transfer window will represent the last opportunity to land a reasonable price for their star striker.

United must exploit this favourable contract situation to sign the Canadian international, before another European powerhouse does. Atletico Madrid, as an example, are believed to have made an inquiry for David in January, but were rebuffed. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been mooted as potential destinations for the striker, while Juventus are reportedly an admirer.

Reports suggest a fee of £34 million would be enough to prise the striker from Lille, though United may be able to drive the price even lower if they can convince David to push for a move to Old Trafford.

The Alternative 

Given Lille are a selling club and David has only a year left on his deal, there should not be too much difficulty in landing the 24-year-old if United decide, as they should, to prioritise the signing.

However, if another big club swoops in for the Canadian and prevents United from securing his services, Old Trafford officials should instead target VfB Stuttgart’s Guinean striker – Serhou Guirassy.

The 28-year-old is enjoying a remarkable season in Germany, having scored 22 goals in just 20 Bundesliga games. If not for Harry Kane’s efforts at Bayern Munich, Guirassy would be a shoo-in for the German Golden Boot.

It is a massive jump in goals compared to his previous career best, suggesting is is a potentially anomalous rate Guirassy is unlikely to match again, but United would not need him to do so. Rather, he would just have to provide a strong presence in place of Hojlund. And, at 6’1, with speed and strength in equal measure, the Guinean international would certainly offer that.

However, Guirassy’s most alluring attribute, which further strengthens his viability as a back-up option, is his price-tag. The 28-year-old’s contract with Stuttgart contains a £15 million release clause – an absolute bargain within the context of modern football’s inflated transfer market, and less than half the likely cost of signing David from Lille.

Guirassy makes a lot of sense as a back-up option this summer, even if he is extremely likely to be unable to repeat his goal scoring feats this season again.

Conclusion

Jonathan David is a perfect addition as a rotational forward.

His skillset is suitable to United’s needs; his goal-scoring record is suitable to a team who needs more goal; his contract situation is suitable for club looking to strike a bargain; and his relatively low profile is suitable to supporting Hojlund.

There should be no need for United to look elsewhere as David is entirely suitable.

However, should another club decide they want to target this suitability and United miss out on the Lille striker, then Guirassy, with his cheap release clause and strong physical attributes, is a reasonable alternative.

Neither player will break the United bank, allowing the club to invest the majority of its funds on the final target of The Peoples Person’s transfer wish-list – defensive midfield.

This position will be by far the most difficult to find the correct option in, as there are so few candidates who fit the bill, and that’s why we have saved it for the last day of the series. See you tomorrow.

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The post The five areas Manchester United must address this summer – Centre-Forward appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.