When you hear Manchester United had 70% possession, 20 shots, eight of them on target and Wayne Rooney finally finding the net, it’s hard to believe the game ended 0-0. So where does this leave Man United?
Defensively, they’re a whole other team
Unlike their other two premier league games this season, today was the first game that United didn’t allow a single shot on target from Newcastle. There’s not much I can say that I haven’t already said about the back four, Smalling has grew into a real leader of his defence, Blind has adapted to the change of position well and full backs Darmian and Shaw are nothing but impressive. With Valencia, McNair, Blackett and Rojo as back-ups in the events of suspensions or injuries, I think United have a good base to build their defence on for the future.
2014 opening three games: Swansea, Sunderland and Burnley
Goals: Scored 2 (Rooney, Mata), conceded 3
Average possession: 59%
Shots on target: Took 10, conceded 10
Points: 2
2015 opening three games: Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle
Goals: Scored 2 (OG from Walker, Januzaj), conceded 0
Average possession: 58%
Shots on target: Took 11, conceded 5
Points: 7
How do United compare to last season?
From these statistics it backs up just how much United have improved at the back, conceding zero goals and much fewer shots on target, yet it’s the other stats that show where United are still lacking. Despite investing heavily to reinforce that holding midfield area, the average possession is actually slightly less than this time last year.
And although the goals and shots on target are the same, it’s the fact that the only goals haven’t come from any of United’s front three of Memphis, Rooney and Mata this season. It is true that Rooney’s goal drought should
have ended today as his 3rd-minute strike was wrongly deemed offside. But even if it had counted it is still worrying for a United side with the talent it has to offer, to be aiming for a third 1-0 league win in a row.
So where does this leave United?
If Manchester United want to be serious about challenging for the Premier League, they’re not going to get there on the back of close 1-0 victories, they’re going to need a lot more goals. That means they’re going to need a world class goal scorer and someone with pace and creativity to create goal scoring chances.
Arsenal have Sanchez and Giroud. Man City have Aguero and Silva. Chelsea have Hazard and Costa.
United need someone who is going to be an out and out goal scorer, it’s too big a task to put on youngster Memphis alone and at the moment Rooney just isn’t delivering the goods. Mata is also lacking the speed and ability to be an effective winger and doesn’t create enough clear cut goal scoring chances.
Louis van Gaal must buy a proven striker and a fast right-winger before the transfer market closes in 10 days. Otherwise the best that Manchester United can hope for is another top four finish and that’s just not good enough after spending £230 million – and not good enough for one of the world’s finest footballing institutuions.
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