Enzo Fernández was furious in face to face with Mason Mount yesterday: “This is Chelsea, you c*nt!”, told former Blues midfielder
Manchester United’s last game in which they conceded fewer than 16 shots was their FA Cup third round victory over Wigan Athletic in the first game of 2024, which was 14 matches ago.
You have to go back five weeks and six games to the 1-0 away win over Nottingham Forest to discover the last time they allowed fewer than 20 shots on goal. Over the last five games, United has allowed an amazing 134 shots, with only 11 going in.
There are various reasons for the leak. An ever-changing backline amid this season’s plague of injuries has been a thorn in the side;
Raphael Varane and then substitute Jonny Evans both went off hurt against Chelsea, leaving only two fully fit centre-backs.
Luke Shaw has missed more games than he has played this season, while Tyrell Malacia has been out all season due to a long-term knee ailment.
Meanwhile, pivot Casemiro – now an injury issue – has struggled this season, and Kobbie Mainoo, 18, has been left to fend for himself far too frequently.
That doesn’t absolve Erik ten Hag of guilt. Upon his arrival, the Dutchman was labeled a pragmatist, which he has demonstrated off the field but not on it. Concerningly, Ten Hag has stated that he is not concerned about the number of shots his team allows the opposition to take.
He disputed that his squad has a defensive weakness, saying after full-time on Thursday: “It is ludicrous. “We proved we were fourth in goals conceded, and everyone is chatting to one other afterwards; we are good, and we have good team defending and a good goalie, so I can’t do anything.”
During his news conference, he later called out individual failures, adding, “If you have to defend, you have to do it properly, and we made the wrong decisions.” And on individual errors, which is incredibly annoying when you’re playing well.”
