Are Manchester United’s Goalscoring Woes a Crisis Beyond Repair?

Manchester United's ongoing struggle to find the back of the net has plunged the club further into turmoil after a disheartening defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. With this latest setback, the question many are asking is whether the team's plight is symptomatic of deeper issues—issues that could take far longer to rectify than the remaining matches of this season.

Ruben Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag, expressed his frustration poignantly post-match, asserting, "If we don't score goals, we don't win games." This statement encapsulated the essence of United's struggles this season: their inability to convert chances into goals. In fact, under Amorim, the team has failed to score in nine out of 22 league games—a record matched only by relegated Leicester City.

The defeat to Wolves marked a significant low point for United, registering their 15th league loss of the season—surpassing the previous record of 14 losses under Ten Hag. Despite sporadic flashes of brilliance in other matches, the consistency required to forge a successful campaign has been glaringly absent. In particular, the club's home form has suffered immensely, with eight losses at Old Trafford—the most in a league campaign since the 1962-63 season.

As issues continue to pile on, the focus inevitably shifts to Denmark's Rasmus Hojlund. Signed for a hefty £72 million from Atalanta, Hojlund's performance has been underwhelming; he has only managed six goals this season, with just one in the calendar year. Former player Alan Shearer remarked, "I am looking at a damaged player in Hojlund. He wasn't ready and isn't ready to lead the attack at a club like Man Utd," reinforcing concerns over his capability under pressure.

Compounding the issue is that United's overall attacking midfield support has lacked quality. Statistically, only Bruno Fernandes ranks in the top 50 Premier League players for Expected Goals during Amorim's reign. This highlights not just a deficiency in finishing but also a failure in creating high-quality chances. It's a troubling combination of poor attacking output and lacklustre supply, as United now find themselves positioned precariously in the league.

Meanwhile, on the opposing end, Wolves under their new boss Vitor Pereira are riding high with confidence. They celebrated a notable double over Manchester United—their first since 1980—further solidifying their place in the Premier League. Pereira's ability to instil belief in his squad is a testament to effective management, contrasting sharply with United's ongoing struggles.

As the season reaches its climax, the pressure to secure a European spot remains, but it is becoming increasingly evident that Amorim has a steep hill to climb. After such defeats, fans are left burning with curiosity—can Amorim resolve United's striking crisis before it’s too late, or are these indicators of a much larger need for rebuilding?

With only a few matches remaining, Amorim must not only tackle the lack of goals but also find ways to rejuvenate team morale and restore confidence in a side that has been left reeling from successive disappointments.

The question looms large: can Manchester United turn their form around, or will they continue down this disheartening path? Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts and predictions below.

• Rasmus Hojlund
• Ruben Amorim
• Wolves

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