Enzo Fernández was furious in face to face with Mason Mount yesterday: “This is Chelsea, you c*nt!”, told former Blues midfielder

Enzo Fernández was furious in face to face with Mason Mount yesterday: “This is Chelsea, you c*nt!”, told former Blues midfielder

In the recent FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic, Manchester United held their opponents to fewer than 16 shots, a rare feat for the team in their recent 14 games. It’s been even longer since they allowed fewer than 20 shots, with the last instance occurring five weeks ago in a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.

Manchester United’s offensive stats tell an interesting story too. Despite attempting a staggering 134 shots in the past five games, only 11 of those shots found the back of the net. This inefficiency in front of goal raises questions about the team’s attacking prowess.

One major factor contributing to United’s defensive struggles is the ongoing injury crisis, especially in the backline. With Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both sidelined due to injuries, only two fully fit center backs remain. Additionally, Tyrell Malacia has been sidelined for the entire season with a chronic knee injury, while Luke Shaw has also been in and out of the lineup due to various fitness issues.

The burden of defensive responsibility has fallen heavily on young Kobbie Mainoo, who, at just 18 years old, has been thrust into the spotlight more often than anticipated. Even experienced players like pivot Casemiro have underperformed, raising concerns about the team’s overall defensive solidity.

Erik ten Hag, the manager, has been criticized for his perceived lack of concern about the team’s defensive struggles. Despite the glaring issues at the back, Ten Hag remains steadfast in his belief that the team’s defensive record is not a cause for alarm. He attributes their defensive solidity earlier in the season to strong teamwork and excellent goalkeeping.

However, Ten Hag acknowledges that individual mistakes and poor decision-making have contributed to defensive lapses in recent games. He emphasizes the importance of making the right decisions when defending and acknowledges that even small mistakes can be costly against strong opponents.

Manchester United’s recent defensive struggles can be attributed to a combination of injuries, individual errors, and perhaps a lack of tactical discipline. While the team has shown flashes of defensive solidity earlier in the season, they must address these issues to maintain their competitiveness in both domestic and international competitions.