Interesting stats have shown the area Manchester United needs to improve if they are to pull a miracle and qualify for the Champions League last 16.
A 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen on Wednesday served as another painful reality check for Erik ten Hag’s side – that the team is far from the level fans are anticipating.
Despite the defeat, the game had some mild positives, including the fact that United’s attack appears very potent in Europe’s elite competition.
United seem to be among the top entertainers in this year’s Champions League, as their games are almost guaranteed to have loads of goals.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Key battlegrounds as ten Hag faces Guardiola’s acid test
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Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Key battlegrounds as ten Hag faces Guardiola’s acid test
United 4th in highest-scoring UCL sides
Sports Brief did a quick analysis of the standings across various groups in the competition. As far as the goals are concerned, Manchester United ranks high up, despite sitting at the bottom of Group A.
United have scored nine goals in the Champions League this season, which is the same number as Arsenal, who are top of Group B after a 2-0 win over Sevilla on Wednesday, as per UEFA.com.
Only Atletico Madrid (12 goals), Manchester City (goals) and Bayern Munich (11 goals) have found the net more times than the Red Devils. Unsurprisingly, all these teams are at the top of their respective groups.
FC Copenhagen fans go crazy with the comeback victory over Manchester United 4-3#ManUnited #ChampionsLeague #COPMUN #ManUtd #MUFC pic.twitter.com/C0z2HhOUDS
— Sports channel (@Sportsvn_1) November 9, 2023
Such stats put into perspective the critical area Manchester United have been lacklustre – defence.
Despite free-scoring in the Champions League, United have also been guilty of conceding a dangerous number of times, as Ten Hag’s side has let in 11 goals in four games. Only Celtic and Royal Antwerp have shipped in more this season, with 12 and 14 goals, respectively.
Hojlund breaks Man United record
Sports Brief also reported on the unique record Rasmus Hojlund broke with his brace for Manchester United on Wednesday.
The Dane was part of United’s squad that surrendered a two-goal advantage to suffer a heartbreaking defeat on Wednesday night at Parken.