You could look at the stats from Manchester United games so far this season and see either positives or negatives, reasons for hope or reasons for concern. Erik ten Hag will be taking a balanced approach, but that's also what he needs to find on the pitch.
United's first two games of the campaign have been even. There have been 37 shots for and 40 against, an expected goals tally of just over four at both ends of the pitch. That speaks of a team that could entertain this season, as much because of their weaknesses as their strengths.
That they've got just one goal for their 37 shots is clearly an issue. That Wolves and Tottenham both created so many chances against them is another concern. They have to tighten up while trying not to lose the threat they carry in the opposite direction.
If they continued to make chances worthy of scoring twice a game then the goals should come, but should is no guarantee. They haven't come so far, aside from a header from a centre-back, when Raphael Varane proved decisive against Wolves.
Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here
ALSO READ: Hojlund needs two teammates to help him become United success
Marcus Rashford has started back-to-back games as a striker and looked worse for it. He needs to return to the left if he's to start scoring again, but repeating last season's 30-goal season is clearly a big ask. On the right, Antony hit the post at Tottenham on Saturday but should probably have sent his shot inside the woodwork.
The £85million Brazilian was one of the positives in pre-season and needs to build on his numbers in his first full season in red. It feels like the success of this season could be defined by whether Antony raises his game a level or two and whether the gamble on Rasmus Hojlund pays out.
There is no doubt that is what this deal is, at least for now. United sources have admitted the 20-year-old is a 'rough diamond' but he is going to be polished on the biggest stage. He will lead the line for one of the world's most talked-about clubs in the world's most-watched league. Blunting those rough edges will only buy him so much time when he slots into a side desperate for a goalscorer.
The £72million deal for a striker with one season in one of Europe's top-five leagues is a risk. Ten Hag sees a player of enormous potential, but United need more than potential right now. Hojlund scored nine goals while flying under the radar with Atalanta last season. He will probably need to double that to make a real success of his first season at Old Trafford.
He will need some careful management this season, not just because he's arrived with a back problem that raised some slight concerns during his medical. He is expected to be in the squad to face either Nottingham Forest or Arsenal before the international break.
There will also be pressure on Hojlund unlike anything he's ever experienced at FC Copenhagen, Sturm Graz or Atalanta. Not only is he a young striker taking one of the most sought-after positions in football, but he will do so when his team are reliant on him succeeding.
That return of one goal from 37 shots and an xG of more than four shows the need for a ruthless goalscorer. Anthony Martial isn't going to make the difference, so Hojlund has to. The pressure on him to perform has gone up without him even playing.
United's Adidas home shirt is made up of the same colour of the city's iconic red rose and features a black collar. The collar also features a dash of both red and white, giving it a slick and modernised look.
Prices start from £55
KitbagThen there is the Mason Greenwood factor to take into account. His expected departure will have no real bearing on Hojlund, but Ten Hag would have expected the forward to return to his squad this season. Greenwood would clearly have been some way short of match fitness, but as recently as last week he would have been pencilled in at some stage.
Now, he is heading for the exit door. Hojlund and Martial are the only strikers at the club, with Rashford another option. Martial's fitness is becoming a long-term problem and Rashford is better off on the left.
That leaves Hojlund. He is a work in progress but United need the finished article sooner rather than later. There is going to be pressure to perform.
Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
--
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
