Sporting the most underwhelming of Premier League goal tallies at 13 from 12 outings, Ruben Amorim has inherited a misfiring Manchester United side that continues to struggle for a final third identity.
Ranking above Southampton (9), Crystal Palace and Everton (10), the 20-time English champions have managed to score more than a solitary goal on only three occasions against top-tier opponents this season.
But, this is not an issue that began during the current campaign. Staggeringly, during Erik ten Hag’s 128 fixtures as Manchester United manager, his team hit four goals or more only twice.
Understanding how this has become a glaring problem can generate multiple branches from a problematic tree. However, the fundamental issue appears to be composure or a distinct lack.
While some believe the solution is to purchase an out-and-out goalscorer, others tend to side in their belief that good things will inevitably come to the patient few who wait.
The underlying numbers behind the final third issues
Before we attempt to unearth a solution, we must first understand the figures we are dealing with.
While some may despise the mere mention of the term xG, its purpose in determining the underlying performance and metrics is invaluable when analysing the root cause of this issue.
Following the weekend draw with Ipswich at Portman Road, Amorim’s men occupy 12th in the Premier League table but are within six points of third-placed Chelsea.
Astonishingly, despite their shortcomings, opportunities created have not been an issue. At the time of writing, United sit third in big chances missed with 27, two behind Liverpool in first.
Furthermore, when flirting with the xG numbers behind a forgettable start to 2024-25, the Old Trafford giants lead the table when considering how much they are leaving behind them. Per the expected figures, the Reds have failed to convert 7.31 goals from their 12 domestic outings.
Focusing on individual metrics
It will come as no surprise that Bruno Fernandes leads the way in goal involvement for the side with five (two goals and three assists).
The Portuguese captain is regularly the fulcrum for attacking moves, and his 99 contributions in 171 Premier League appearances signifies his undeniable importance.
However, his early struggles were well-documented, and his failure to find the net for the opening nine fixtures corresponded with Ten Hag’s shortcomings across his entire front line.
That’s not implying that this is entirely his fault – he is one of many integral cogs that have failed to find balance for quite some time.
It’s worth noting that despite struggling for individual form, the 30-year-old continued to fashion opportunities for his teammates and ranks fifth with eight big chances created.
When factoring in those ahead of him, Bruno regularly complements his colleagues in the final third with ample time on the football.
Although the side has cut the image of a disjointed group lacking ideas and confidence, it is not for want of trying that the forwards fail to convert.
| Minutes played | Shots taken | Goals | Big chances missed | |
| Marcus Rashford | 831 | 11 | 2 | 2 |
| Alejandro Garncho | 799 | 33 | 3 | 7 |
| Amad Diallo | 571 | 14 | 1 | 1 |
| Joshua Zirkzee | 452 | 13 | 1 | 4 |
| Rasmus Hojlund | 440 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
For some, simply categorising these players as inadequate to lead a Manchester United line without alternative consideration is sufficient. Others choose to peel back the layers of these misfiring forwards to find the reasoning behind the lack of productivity.
Truthfully, there is no stand-alone factor, nor is there a straightforward solution. But, the fundamental trait for any successful outfit is momentum, and this squad has been utterly devoid of this for longer than many will choose to remember.
We have previously dissected the Ruben Amorim tactical philosophy in detail, and it is no secret that Viktor Gyokeres played a starring part in his Sporting system.
The makeup of a distinctive number nine is integral for one of the most dominating structures in the European game.
Ahead of his maiden trip to Portman Road, there was ample suggestion the Portuguese chief would hand Marcus Rashford an opportunity to flourish in the role.
While he notched the game’s opener, the Wythenshawe man inevitably struggled to impose himself throughout the fixture.
“I will try to help him [Rashford]. That position is not the best one for him, especially in a game like that,” Amorim told reporters ahead of Thursday’s visit of Bodo/Glimt.
“We have to kick with high pressure, we have to kick the ball so many times, and it was like fighting with two giants.
“We’ll try to find the right solution for him, as for the other players. But he has to be Marcus, first of all, to try to return to that moment, and then he will have all the help of the staff, the club and the fans because he’s a Manchester United boy.
“But he has to be the first one to want it.”
The issues are evident for all to see, but the burden is not placed on one individual. The group will win and lose as a collective unit, and this is a known trait of the new gaffer.
“I think there is a concern in that [lack of goals], but we have to improve as a team,” the United tactician told those in attendance.
“We controlled the ball in the second half [vs Ipswich], but we were not dangerous. Rasmus and Josh will score more goals. Amad has to be better nearer the goal. Bruno has to score more goals.”
For many admirers of Rasmus Hojlund, the Dane is the ideal option to replicate Gyokeres.
From his frame to his playing style and clinical ability, the 21-year-old is primed to entertain the Stretford End and possesses the required work-rate to stabilise the former Braga chief’s requirements.
A notable end to his maiden campaign received recognition with the reward of the number 9 shirt and the opportunity to govern the Theatre of Dreams for the next decade.
At 21, he has earned 13 goal contributions in 38 Premier League appearances for a disjointed side. Gyokeres had notched a single goal for Swansea before adding three more in 19 appearances for Coventry in the Championship at the same age.
Sometimes, perspective and the correct structure in a suitable environment are all a player needs to thrive.
Like anything, change and adherence to a particular philosophy will take time. There are game-winners in this squad and multiple individuals capable of accomplishing the United Way.
But, the onus is on them to deliver and convert their chances when presented with the opportunity.
How do you feel about the final third dilemma at Manchester United and what is required under Ruben Amorim?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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