The evolution of European football has seen a shift towards an increasing emphasis on scoring goals over maintaining a fluid, well-paced game. While this approach has its critics, it’s hard to argue with the importance of putting the ball in the back of the net—after all, what good are your skills if they don’t translate into victories?

This is precisely where Manchester United have been struggling for some time. A look at their Premier League stats from last season highlights the issue: the club scored just 57 goals while conceding 58. These figures paint a picture of a team that has been unable to find the right balance between attack and defence.

Unfortunately, the problem persists this season, with United still lacking the clinical finishing needed to turn their performances into consistent wins. As they gear up for their Europa League opener against Twente, Erik Ten Hag has addressed United’s goal-scoring challenges, acknowledging the need for improvement in front of goal.

With the team looking to make an impact in Europe, finding their scoring touch will be crucial. If United can convert their chances and tighten up defensively, it could mark the beginning of a more positive chapter under Ten Hag’s leadership.

Ten Hag on the attacking mentality of United Strikers

When asked whether Manchester United’s strikers need to adopt a more focused mental approach, Erik Ten Hag offered an intriguing perspective. The Dutch manager praised his team’s attacking gameplay and their ability to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. However, the 53-year-old also acknowledged that there are still significant flaws to be addressed.

“We are capable of scoring many goals, but it’s a part of the game we have to improve and kill in the box.”

While United have been effective in building up play and generating chances, the final execution has often been lacking. Ten Hag’s comments suggest that while the team’s overall strategy is on the right track, improving composure and decision-making in crucial moments will be key to converting those chances into goals.

“There are different aspects to this, most important is that you create chances and we create a lot of good moments, we are very creative, we have many ­opportunities to score goals, keep this process going and [work on] finishing.”

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As United look to sharpen their edge in front of goal, the mental aspect of finishing will be just as important as the physical one. Ten Hag’s challenge will be to instil the necessary confidence and precision in his forwards to turn those promising opportunities into decisive results.

Despite a rocky start to the season, Manchester United have regained some much-needed confidence after securing two wins and a draw in their last three games. The return of Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount has bolstered the squad, while Marcus Rashford has rediscovered his scoring touch, netting in back-to-back matches.

Now is the perfect time for the Red Devils to focus on improving their goal-scoring output. Scoring only 50-60 goals in a season simply won’t be enough to compete at the highest level. Players like Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford must step up and lead the charge as United find themselves at a critical juncture.

How many goals do you think United will score in this Premier League season? Share your predictions.