Manchester United’s wastefulness almost cost them the three points in the Premier League’s opening fixture vs Fulham but they emerged as 1-0 winners.
Joshua Zirkzee’s late goal at the Stretford End on debut was enough to seal the three points that the performance deserved, but the finishing perhaps didn’t.
It was the third consecutive game United made things needlessly difficult for themselves due to wayward finishing.
Of course, when one talks about finishing, the latest addition to Manchester United coaching staff, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, comes into the foreground.
The Dutchman has sent a four-word message almost two days after United’s win vs Fulham.
Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s message
Needless to say, the spotlight will be firmly on the man who was a deadly striker in his playing career and how he gets the finishing level of the squad up to the mark.
Multiple people at the club have already credited him for his work with them and how it has improved their game.
Van Nistelrooy was also seen with Zirkzee after the game as the players and the staff walked off the pitch after the win.
The coach has now posted a four-word message to fans after the win, succinctly meaning that it was a case of “job done”.
He posted a picture of himself and the new tunnel at Old Trafford proudly displaying the message “The Theatre of Dreams” and wrote: “Great team performance, +3”, accompanied by red, white, and black hearts to match United’s color scheme.
All eyes will be on United’s next game, a tricky away game at Brighton who are coming off a commanding 3-0 win at Everton.
Man United need to sort out wastefulness
It goes without saying but at this point, short of Van Nistelrooy lacing the boots himself and going on the pitch to finish, the players have to take responsibility.
Talking xG (Expected goals), United have created chances that should have resulted in at least five goals across the PL opener and Community Shield final.
Instead, they have two goals, a nervy win, and a penalty shootout loss to show for their efforts.
It is a 180-degree turnaround from last season where United conceded plenty of shots but dragged through the season due to moments on individual quality but barely created anything.
Now, a system looks in place, United are more defensively secure and are creating good quality chances but failing to finish them.
It is undoubtedly a better problem to have as good results almost always follow good performances and the rate at which they are wasting chances right now surely can’t continue.
Van Nistelrooy will have a big part in that turnaround sooner rather than later.
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