United View With Ben McCarthy: Reds Lack The Finishing Touch

It was a frustrating couple of days for Manchester United, both in the Europa League and Premier League.

Despite not losing either of their fixtures against Omonoia FC and Newcastle there was still plenty to be desired in terms of attacking penetration and chance creation.

Similar to the reverse fixture in Cyprus, United found a win difficult to come by against Omonoia. They mustered 34 shots, with 13 on target, but had to wait until second-half stoppage time for the deadlock to be broken.

Scott McTominay supplied the finish, finding space in a crowded penalty area to ensure United left with all three points. It was more relief than jubilation for United, avoiding an unwanted draw to keep Ten Hag’s men within contention for pole position in the group.

The lack of a killing touch followed United into the game against Newcastle, with both sides settling on a goalless draw. There were some big chances late on for United, but they were unable to convert. Even though a draw felt like a fair result, Ten Hag will be kicking himself that his team were unable to snatch the win.

Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly seen showing his disapproval at being substituted, shaking his head more than a bobblehead sitting on top of a tumble dryer at full power. Perhaps his annoyance was justified after seeing Rashford’s late header go wide, a chance the Portuguese star would have taken.

Ten Hag justified his decision to substitute Ronaldo, claiming he only intends to keep his forwards fresh in light of such a hectic schedule. Furthermore, the manager issued his pleasure in his team’s performance but was annoyed at the result.

United need to do more in front of goal but for context, Newcastle does have the best defensive stats in the league so far, only conceding 9 goals. Meanwhile, against Omonoia it may just be unfortunate that United didn’t score more given the chances that came their way. Either way, it’s now back-to-back games where the team's goalscoring edge has come into question.

Hopefully, it doesn't develop into a glaring issue and is something that can be put right at training. The situation also isn’t helped when United was missing key figures such as Eriksen and Martial. Rashford is currently the club's top goal scorer this season, however, he was dropped to the bench through illness on Sunday.

The absence of Martial has been felt throughout the season, he is a player whom Ten Hag was very keen to work with, but his season has been halted by injury. The Frenchman has 5 goal contributions though, even though he has only made 4 appearances for United this season. He is needed back sooner rather than later.

As previously mentioned, the games are coming thick and fast for United, with two more games taking place this week, both of which are Premier League action. 

On Wednesday United Hosts Spurs, who have been transformed under Conte, making their best start to the Premier League after 10 games. Ten Hag will be looking to burst their bubble as he chases down the top four.

Things don’t get much easier on Saturday, as Stamford Bridge awaits in the evening clash against Graham Potter’s side. Potter has already beaten Ten Hag this season with Brighton, so it’s a chance for the Dutchman to enact some revenge.

While it's two tough tests for United, the opportunity is also there to send a statement in the race for Champions League football. Touch wood we bury our chances this time.