The story of Manchester United’s struggles in 2023/24 could be attributed to two key issues.
The first was an onslaught of injuries which saw the team struggle to field a back four, having to shift midfielders in defence to cope, on multiple occasions.
The second major problem was no doubt linked to the first. Manchester United conceded a staggering amount of shots at goal, inevitably leading to poor results.
United conceded an average of 17.6 shots per game in 2023/24, the 19th worst in the Premier League.
Only relegated Sheffield United (17.8) allowed more efforts on their goal, while for contrast Manchester United allowed an average of just 7.7 per game.
Manchester United shots conceded in 2024/25
Two of the worst performances of Manchester United’s season came late in the campaign, away at Chelsea and at home to Liverpool, a 4-3 defeat and a 2-2 draw.
United allowed 28 shots at goal against Chelsea and another 28 shots at home to Liverpool, producing two very inept displays which saw the team gain just one point from a possible six.
This season United have been a lot more controlled. While the results have not been perfect, Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff may have fixed the issue.
| Opponent | Shots conceded |
| Fulham | 10 |
| Brighton | 14 |
| Liverpool | 8 |
| Southampton | 6 |
| Total over four games | 38 |
A big improvement for Man Utd
Manchester United have allowed 38 shots at goal across four games this season. It is a vast improvement on 2023/24.
Especially when you look at that two-game stretch against Chelsea and Liverpool when the Red Devils allowed a staggering 56 shots at goal across just two matches.
Liverpool were frustratingly efficient in their win at Old Trafford this season, but it was notable how their goals all came from United errors, rather than Arne Slot’s side actually being able to break United down.
This season instead of allowing the second highest number of shots in the Premier League, United rank in 15th place in this area. It is a dramatic shift.
United fans saw what the team were capable of in the FA Cup Final, but really wanted sustained improvement.
That may be exactly what we are now seeing, with United managing to keep the shot count down – enhancing the prospects of winning each game.
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