Manchester United's defensive struggles in the league this season have been evidenced by a shocking metric beaten only by Sheffield United and Luton.
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Man Utd have allowed 212 shots on goalOnly Sheffiled and Luton have worse recordTotal number equal to Arsenal and City combinedWHAT HAPPENED?
Opponents have taken 212 shots at the United goal this season in 14 games – only promoted sides Luton (240) and Sheffield United (264) have a worse record. Remarkably, this is the same total as Manchester City (97 in 13 games) and Arsenal (115 in 14 games) have conceded combined.
AdvertisementGetty THE BIGGER PICTURE
United's defensive woes have plagued Erik ten Hag's tenure as manager. Drubbings by Liverpool and Manchester City have exposed holes throughout the side that have yet to be patched. United are conceding too many shots, and by extension too many goals.
Since the start of last season, United have a goal difference of just 15, having conceded 59 and scored 74 in 51 matches. This appears worrying reading when compared with their rivals; Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool's goal differences stand at 81, 63, 52 and 45 respectively.
DID YOU KNOW?
Following United's 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in midweek, United's shambolic defensive record was highlighted once again. After twenty games in all competitions this season, United have conceded 33 goals – the Red Devil's worst defensive record since conceding 43 in the 1962-63 season, according to Opta.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
Ten Hag's side need to stop allowing so many shots on goal, or they will continue to leak goals – regardless of who is inbetween the stick. The Dutchman will be scrambling for a solution and will need to find one soon, or the changing United hierarchy may look to a different coach. They will certainly need to improve in their next game against Chelsea on Wednesday.
