Zlatan Ibrahimovic has missed 19 clear cut chances for Manchester United in the Premier League this season
Manchester United drew 1-1 at home against Everton on Tuesday night.
It was a frustrating night for the Red Devils, as they saw a Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal chalked off for a marginal offside, while they also hit the woodwork twice against the Toffees.
Ibrahimovic did eventually find the net in the 94th minute from the penalty spot.
In a sense the Red Devils were unlucky, but for much of the game, they struggled for a cutting edge and verve on the pitch.
Going too direct
In their search for an equalising goal, United resorted to a very direct style of play, lumping balls into the box. Everton dropped deeper in an effort to defend their lead and it almost worked for Ronald Koeman’s side.
They held on until virtually the last kick of the game, as Ashley Williams handled Luke Shaw’s goalbound effort and Ibrahimovic calmly slotted home from the spot. Everton are a decent team, but they were missing a number of high-profile players, including Seamus Coleman and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Despite missing players every time a United cross was cleared the Toffees looked a threat on the break. That was until Koeman decided to sacrifice two of his bigger attacking outlets in Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas in particular.
When Koeman made the substitutions the Toffees did lose any sort of attacking threat. The Dutchman may lament some of his decisions in this clash.
United’s style of play for the last half an hour of the game suited Everton. In Williams and Phil Jagielka, the Merseysiders have two highly experienced pros and both defended valiantly, while goalkeeper Joel Robles also had a solid game.
United just lacked a cutting edge
United boss Jose Mourinho has talked about United’s finishing being poor of late. Once again against Everton, they lacked a cutting edge.
The fact that they have drawn six games at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season illustrates their struggles perfectly this season. United have scored just 21 goals in the league home soil this season.
United are the Premier League team that have hit the woodwork the most times this season, having hit the woodwork 27 times in the Premier League. However, they cannot blame their struggles in front of goal completely on just sheer bad luck.
United teams of the past would not use bad luck as an excuse for not winning a match. Sir Alex Ferguson used to blame everybody from referees to the kit lady. However, off the top of my head, I can never remember him blaming bad luck too often.
Although Mourinho claimed after the game that Ibrahimovic’s offside goal would have been allowed with video technology, he has criticised his players finishing in recent games.
A lack of confidence seems to be the problem for the United players, according to the Portuguese boss. The lack of goals is worrying for United, but so is the fact that for example, Ibrahimovic has missed 19 clear-cut chances this season, which is a league-high.
The other United players should not be let off the hook easily either. Paul has missed six, while both Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford have missed four each. It seems the Red Devils lack of ruthlessness in front of goal is costing them dearly this season.
United outsiders for the top four
Manchester United now find themselves four points behind fourth-place Manchester City in the race for the Champions League spots. Their odds of 4/1 illustrates that they are now considered outsiders to finish in the top-four this season.
The Red Devils started the campaign as one of the favourites for the Premier League title. However, their profligacy in front of goal has cost them. United still have plenty to play for as they are still in the Europa League and the FA Cup.
However, if Jose Mourinho’s team are to pick up silverware this season they will need to discover more of a cutting edge, or this season will be written off as a wasted campaign at Old Trafford.
Who is to blame for the lack of goals for Manchester United this season?
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