Where Does Man UTD Still Need to Strengthen?

While a commendable third-place finish and a coveted League Cup trophy have elevated the team's standing, the substantial 14-point chasm behind leaders Manchester City highlights the strides yet to be taken.
Among the betting community, there's growing sentiment tipping the Red Devils to secure a top-four finish in the forthcoming season. Yet, certain refinements are indispensable to compete for the Premier League crown genuinely.
Fans eager to make early predictions and capitalize on their faith in United's top-four finish might want to explore the BetMGM bonus code for existing users to enhance their betting experience.
Manchester United has ushered in a new chapter between the posts with the £47.2m acquisition of Andre Onana from Inter Milan. Securing Onana's services for a five-year tenure, with an option to extend for an additional year, marks a significant shift in the goalkeeping landscape at Old Trafford.
The move comes after David De Gea's departure, who, after a distinguished 12-year stint, vacated his position as the club's primary shot-stopper. With Onana on board, the Red Devils hope to solidify their defense.
Given their historical dominance, Manchester United's lackluster approach in this critical area is startling. The paltry tally of five goals from set-pieces, the least across all Premier League clubs, underscores the urgency for change. While the underlying xG (expected goals) metric, standing at 9.8, hints at a touch of wastefulness, it also showcases their limited creativity in such situations.
On the defensive front, the situation appears just as dire. Boasting an xGA (expected goals against) of 14.3 from set-pieces, the Red Devils exhibit vulnerabilities opponents could exploit. This figure comprises 28% of their overall xGA, revealing an Achilles heel when countering dead-ball situations.
Only Crystal Palace fared worse in this regard. While their conceded goals tally from set-pieces remained below their xG – hinting at a redeeming presence of David de Gea – it's evident that United are teetering at both ends when the ball is stationary. Addressing these deficiencies would not only plug defensive gaps but also unlock a potential trove of goals.
Despite the presence of talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's xG of 68.7 was the lowest among the top six. Their failure to convert 64% of 'big chances' reflects a pressing need for a prolific striker. While marquee names like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane might be out of reach, alternatives like Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani could be beneficial.
Fernandes' outstanding xG assisted from open play (14.0) signifies his critical role. However, an over-reliance on him is evident. Incorporating other creative outlets in the squad is essential. Despite their potential, players like Jadon Sancho and Antony have yet to deliver consistently. Hence, diversifying the source of creativity and ensuring the finishing touch will be pivotal in propelling United to title contenders.
Manchester United's journey under Ten Hag is still in its infancy. While the foundation seems promising, addressing goalkeeping, set-piece efficiency, and creativity will be key. As the next season approaches, United fans will be eager to see how the team evolves and whether they can reclaim their position at the pinnacle of English football.