Harry Maguire and co. ‘hit with unfair flack thanks to Man United teammates’
Harry Maguire and other Man United defenders have received unfair criticism despite the data pointing fingers at the Man United attackers’ appalling showing in front of goal.
Ruben Amorim had to contend with underperforming players across the pitch in his first season in charge of the Red Devils.
His headaches varied from butterfingers goalkeeper Andre Onana to forward Rasmus Hojlund who was incapable of finding the back of the net.
Yet, the Portuguese’s defence came under fire due to their disorganisation which saw them concede a whopping 54 goals, far below the usual standards for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
But, the backline has been unfairly mistreated given their list of injuries as well as abysmal displays by their attacking counterparts last season.
Data suggests blame should be thrown elsewhere away from the spine of the Red Devils towards the frontline.
Man United’s defence will ‘cost them’ European football
Talking on talkSPORT (4 August), ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor spoke highly of the red half of Manchester’s attacking options, he said: “[Amad] Diallo, [Bryan] Mbeumo, [Matheus] Cunha, [Bruno] Fernandes, [Mason] Mount can come on as well, they’ve got such exciting players.
“[Kobbie] Mainoo in midfield, going forward and in centre-midfield they’ve got so many options that they will score goals Manchester United.”
However, it was a different story for Agbonlahor when commenting on United’s backline, he added: “But, I just think, what’s going to cost them getting into European places is that defence.
“It’s nowhere near good enough.”
Data shows Man United attackers are at fault not Harry Maguire and defenders
Data from FFScout paints a different picture to Agbonlahor, despite it being clear as day that the defence must sure up for the new campaign.
In the 2024-25 Premier League season, the Red Devils were 12th for goals conceded (54), albeit a dreadful number given the stature of the football club.
However, the attackers barely tried to provide some respite to the backline as they were 16th for goals scored (44) in the league.
Only Everton and the relegated teams were worst than Amorim’s side which makes for pretty painful viewing.
Additionally, they majorly underperformed their xG of 53.48 with only Crystal Palace poorer at converting chances.
| Man United Premier League 2024-25 | Number | Position |
| Goals conceded | 54 | 12th |
| Goals scored | 44 | 16th |
| Expected goals (xG) | 53.48 | 12th |
| xG delta (overperformance/underperformance) | -9.48 | 19th |
This demonstrates that the United attack was woeful last time out and couldn’t hit a barn door with Hojlund and Zirkzee among the diabolical goal-getters.
At the back, the comeback of Lenny Yoro and the expected early season return of Lisandro Martinez will boost the defensive performances next season.
Conversely, further attacking acquisitions such as the hugely talented Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig will vastly reinvigorate the ex-Sporting CP manager’s attacking prospects as well.
Better chance creation and conversion must be a top priority for Amorim ahead of the new Premier League season as he aims to kickstart his project.