Man Utd dressing room admission tells Erik ten Hag everything he needs to know

Man United’s need to increase their goal-scoring output in order to have a realistic shot at success this season was acknowledged in the locker room.

Manchester United achieved yet another tedious victory, this one a result of pragmatism as opposed to brilliance.

United are by a significant margin the lowest scorers in the Premier League’s top ten with 13 goals in 12 games this season. Additionally, they are the only team in the top half to have a negative goal differential.

United has a long history of producing high-scoring, attacking football, but Erik ten Hag’s squad is a mere shadow of their illustrious predecessors at the moment.

Although generating opportunities does not pose a challenge, effectively converting them does. Once again, United demonstrated a deficiency in determination in front of the goal, thereby squandering a succession of prospects.

Ultimately, the second-half goal by Victor Lindelof was sufficient to propel United to a resounding triumph over the international break and alleviate the strain on Ten Hag.

However, United’s need to increase their goal-scoring in order to have a realistic shot at success this season was acknowledged in the locker room.

“Our objectives are to perform admirably and play solid football,” stated defender Harry Maguire. “We must be a little more ruthless with our attacking intent and in our pursuit of a second goal that would put an end to the game; only then can we truly appreciate the game.”

“Around that, everyone will be discussing it. However, I observe the forwards in training every single day. Each of the elite players possesses the capacity to score goals.

“We are aware that we are not scoring enough goals at the present. Furthermore, we are not maintaining an adequate number of clean linens.

“I believe you’ve seen in the past that our attackers are capable, high-quality players. Perhaps a stroke of fate will intervene, and they will secure the initial one; subsequent goals will be assured. “I have no doubt that they will, as each of them is an exceptionally talented player.”

Another day to forget for Marcus Rashford, who led Manchester United in scoring with 30 goals in his debut season but has only managed one in 16 games this term.

Rashford is lacking in confidence and squandered opportunities he easily would have converted last season, whereas Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million striker, has yet to score in the league.

Hojlund has scored five goals for United in the Champions League, but Maguire is confident he will eventually transfer that clinical precision to the Premier League.

“Ras is an elite player,” Maguire remarked. “In recent weeks, you have witnessed his work ethic and the value he contributes to the team.

“He accomplishes considerably more than simply score goals.” “It is only a matter of time before he scores a few goals in the Premier League, just as he has scored goals in training and the Champions League.”

Maguire maintained his remarkable form, and his current run in the squad validates his decision to remain and compete for a starting position this season as opposed to leaving in the summer.

“Last year, I started 16 or 17 games and felt like I performed exceptionally well,” Maguire explained. Without a doubt, I did not participate to the extent that I desired. I was required to be patient and bide my time.

“Last season, I had two or three opportunities to earn a run of appearances, but illness and injuries prevented me from doing so, so I was unable to demonstrate my worth to the manager. Having said that, I am currently appreciating my football tremendously and playing for this club tremendously.

“I was prepared to remain and contend for my position.” This club is teeming with international superstar center-backs, and competition for spots is intense.”