3 hours Ago By Rich Fay
Manchester United reporter Erik ten Hag couldn't really have asked for a better return to action after the international break, but he will still be wanting more from his Manchester United players this weekend. With ten goals scored, two clean sheets and two wins across the past seven days there is plenty to smile about, though there is also a caveat to their success. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to ManchesterWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
While it is true you can only beat the team in front of you, United's wins have come against one of the worst in the Premier League and a League One side who crumbled under the occasion of a cup match at Old Trafford. The past week has warped the narrative so much that United are now the highest-scoring Premier League team across all competitions so far this season, yet when it comes to the league, they have also been the most wasteful in front of goal. United have wasted 12 big chances in their opening four Premier League matches, more than anyone else in the division.
They also have an expected goals (xG) of 7.89, which is only behind Man City and Liverpool in the standings. In fact, only Southampton have underperformed their xG more than Ten Hag's side so far this campaign.
The imminent return of Rasmus Hojlund from injury should bolster United's options in attack, though he is unlikely to be thrown straight back into action, meaning they might need to try something different while he gets back up to speed. Thankfully for United there seems an almost too simple solution: playing their three most in-form forwards together against Crystal Palace this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Marcus Rashford is the most compelling option to lead the line at Selhurst Park this weekend, having rediscovered his confidence in front of goal with three goals and two assists across his last two appearances.
The 26-year-old still has work to do if he is to reach the world-class level he achieved in Ten Hag's debut season, but the signs are certainly positive. By moving Rashford into a central role, it would also allow United to use Alejandro Garnacho is his best position on the left wing, from which he was so devastating on Tuesday night. The Argentine has arguably been their best performer so far this season, with four goals and three assists from just 255 minutes of football.
Then there is Amad Diallo. Although he is still perhaps better as an impact player from the bench, the 22-year-old is a compelling option on the right wing and brings a refreshing directness with his dribbling and desire to always move the ball forward. He has one goal and one assist so far this season and his inverted approach would perfectly complement Garnacho on the other flank.
While it might seem like an obvious front three to select this weekend, they have never started a match together for United before, and it still wouldn't be a surprise if Ten Hag played Joshua Zirkzee over one of them instead. At a time when United still need more goals, they have an exciting attacking trio who are ready to be unleashed again tomorrow. National World encourages reader discussion on our stories.
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