How relegation bound Leicester City have just humbled Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United

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Manchester United lack a reliable striker and even Marcus Rashford’s goals have dried up of late.

For all the incremental improvements shown by Manchester United this season, the team are limping towards the finish line.

The core problem is not the odd defensive and goalkeeping mistake, it is a failure to score goals.

In the last six games in all competitions, which include an extra 30 minutes of extra time, Manchester United have scored only three goals, netted by Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes.

Manchester United struggling to score

Manchester United’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal was lamented by Bruno Fernandes after the defeat to West Ham.

To understand how bad United’s struggles in front of goal are, 18th placed Leicester City have now scored the same number of goals this season.

Manchester United and Leicester have both netted 49 goals. This is fewer than Fulham (50), and Brentford (52), while right at the top, Manchester City’s goal tally lies at 89 goals scored.

There are a couple of points to note. Leicester have played one game more than United. And at the other end, Erik ten Hag‘s side have conceded 23 goals fewer, which explains the difference between the teams’ positions in the table.

But it is also humbling for Ten Hag’s goal shy Red Devils, to be so middle of the road. This is not where we aspire to be.

It isn’t where Ten Hag wants to be either. His Ajax side were prolific scorers last season with 98 goals scored in 34 games.

While an entirely different league, it shows what Ten Hag’s tactical plan is capable of when he has the right players, and ruthless goalscorers.

Ten Hag’s United need to start blowing teams away. Up next are fixtures against Wolves, Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Fulham, with a Champions League place up for grabs.

But it won’t be simple. Manchester United’s three strikers, one of who has departed, have combined for five Premier League goals this season – Anthony Martial (4), Cristiano Ronaldo (1) and Wout Weghorst (0).

Marcus Rashford has dragged United through, but his goals are drying up, with two in his last 10 games in all competitions.