Manchester United’s flaws were laid out bare for everyone to see in the first half of the season but since the turn of the year, they have been disguised as individual performances have papered over some cracks.
Rasmus Hojlund almost single-handedly kickstarted a four-game winning streak, with the Danish international becoming the youngest player to ever score in six straight Premier League games in the process.
Andre Onana, who struggled greatly in his first half-season in English football, has turned his campaign around to become one of United’s most consistent players.
Onana has been enabled to shine as United are, in fact, one of the easiest teams to play against. After the 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday evening, it was revealed that United have faced more shots than any other Premier League team since the turn of the year. That includes the bottom three clubs.
It’s a stat that has been making the rounds after each of United’s last four Premier League games but for the first time, United are now at the summit of that list.
Speaking after his side were denied a 96th-minute winner at Brentford, Ten Hag offered a worrying response to a question about just that, insisting it did not worry him if they were still getting the results.
“As long as we get results, no,” he responded when quizzed on United’s defending, according to GOAL.
“I explained it once more, we defended low at 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.
“We didn’t deserve to win but we showed resilience all through the game. But in points of aggression, Brentford were better. We should show more passion and desire in many moments in the game. But when you are winning you should bring it over the line.”
From a supporter’s viewpoint, it’s worrying to hear the manager disregard tangible proof that teams are having their way with United.
As things stand, teams will be hoping to face United sooner rather than later and Ten Hag must find a way to sure things up – it’s not a sustainable method.
More must-reads: