Manchester United are struggling to get results this season, and are currently languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table after five games. The Red Devils have already exited the EFL Cup in the third round at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion, sending alarm bells ringing at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s team were expected to take the next step this season after a strong finish to the last campaign. The Premier League giants ended third in the league following a run of 12 wins in 17 games under the English manager.
INEOS invested over £150 million in the middle of the park to offset Casemiro’s departure this summer, but the team has endured a difficult start to the new season. Defensive issues continue to plague Carrick’s side, while their attacking precision from last season also appears to be missing.
However, statistics have now surfaced which suggest that there might still be hope for United this season.
United’s impressive attacking stats
According to TNT Sports, United have registered the most shots in the Premier League this season (113). They have also created the most chances (81) and managed the most touches in the opposition box (182).
Unfortunately, that has not been reflected in goals and results. Five teams have scored more than the Red Devils (eight) in the league so far – Brighton (16), Manchester City (13), Brentford (10), Chelsea (10) and Newcastle United (nine).
Most Touches in the Opposition Box in the Premier League: 2026/27 Season
| Team | Touches in opposition box |
|---|---|
| Manchester United | 182 |
| Chelsea | 160 |
| Fulham | 159 |
| Arsenal | 156 |
| Manchester City | 154 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 150 |
| Brentford | 150 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 150 |
| Everton | 130 |
All signs indicate that Carrick’s team should have been performing at a higher level so far, and should have at least been in the top half of the league table. Opta backs this up, adding that United should have been fourth according to their expected points table.
The report also states that the Red Devils have converted just 7.1% of their attempts, further highlighting the lack of efficiency in the final third.
Man Utd according to Opta's Expected Points table:
◉ Actual position: 12th
◉ Expected position: 4thThey lead the Premier League for shots (113) and opposition-box touches (182), but have converted just 7.1% of their attempts.
Do they deserve to be higher? pic.twitter.com/bSqlkYqhay
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) September 22, 2026
United attackers getting into good positions
United invested over £200 million in the attack last summer and were rewarded with a third-place finish. This season, however, the frontline has come under scrutiny, but data indicate that all they are lacking is the finish.
Opta have shared the list of the top ten players with the most attacking sequence involvements, and it is dominated by the Red Devils. The statistic names the players who have been the most involved in team moves which have led to open-play shots in the Premier League up to matchday five this season.
Marcus Rashford (9.1) leads the chart, while Bruno Fernandes (8.6) and Youri Tielemans (8.2) make up the top three, a remarkable feat considering United’s struggles in the final third. Kobbie Mainoo (7.6) and Bryan Mbeumo (7.4) are fifth and sixth in the list, while Matheus Cunha (7.2) ensures that six of the top eight are from Carrick’s team.
Which players have been the most involved in team moves leading to open-play shots in the Premier League so far this season? pic.twitter.com/TPCaVmBor6
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) September 21, 2026
Final Thoughts
The statistics suggest that United have done all the good work, but it has been their finishing which has let them down. Fans will hope Carrick can use the international break to work on this aspect, especially with Benjamin Sesko yet to impress this season.
If things fail to improve, the Red Devils could also consider a move for someone like Igor Matanovic to address their goalscoring woes.
Featured image by Carl Recine via Getty Images
