Erik ten Hag has pointed the blame for Man Utd’s struggles (Image: Getty)
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has told his strikers they must improve if the Red Devils are to turn around their dismal form. Joshua Zirkzee and have scored only one goal between them in United’s six matches this season, with the Dutchman bagging on the opening day.
Ten Hag has pointed out that his side have scored just five goals despite being one of the most proficient chance creators in the top-flight. The Dutchman claims that the Red Devils have created the third-highest Expected Goals (xG) this campaign, although some data providers dispute this.
United’s forwards have been told they must start converting those chances to ensure the club climb out of their current slump. They have won only two of their six matches so far this term, and stuttered to a hugely underwhelming 1-1 draw with FC Twente in the Europa League.
Ten Hag said: “If we didn’t create chances and we create a lot of chances, the third highest xG in the . We have to improve the final third and in the box game, be more killers there. Our strikers are capable of doing this.”
United will hope to bounce back from Sunday’s reverse when they face Porto in the Europa League on Thursday. But Ten Hag will once again have to name a team without Mason Mount.
The England midfielder – who has spent large parts of his year-long United career absent – suffered two injuries against Spurs. He will miss the visit to the Portuguese giants with a head issue and a knock.
“He had a head injury and also he picked up a knock,” Ten Hag confirmed. “They are the two reasons why he is not available for tomorrow.”
Luke Shaw continues to make progress following a calf injury. The left-back has not played for United since February, having recovered from a hamstring problem to feature at Euro 2024 before suffering his most recent problem during pre-season. Shaw and fellow defender Tyrell Malacia will not return before the October international break.
“On the left-backs, they are improving but I don’t expect them back before the international break,” Ten Hag added. “But we hope Luke Shaw can return after the international break quickly.
“I don’t know if it’s the first game [after the international break] we’re hoping for. I can’t in this moment tell this 100 per cent with security but from now on we have two-and-a-half weeks to work to the point but shortly, definitely, after he will be there.
“Tyrell Malacia makes very good progress on the pitch and now he has to make the step to full team training.”
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