Manchester United have endured a mixed start to the season in the opening three games of the Premier League calendar.
One win, one draw and one defeat in the opening three fixtures means Manchester United sit ninth in the Premier League table.
Ruben Amorim has been under huge pressure, with a shock defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup shining a spotlight on his position.
While the points tally is a touch underwhelming, the underlying stats behind United’s season suggest they have not got the rewards their performances deserve.
Amorim has seen improvement in United at the start of this season, but he has often cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines.
Ruben Amorim watches Manchester United face Grimsby Town.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Man United are underperforming more than any team in Europe
One of Amorim’s biggest frustrations last season was the lack of goals, with United only scoring 44 in the Premier League as they finished 15th.
Unfortunately, that trend has continued into 2025/26, and the figures suggest the Red Devils are underperforming in front of goal more than any of Europe’s top teams.
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As pointed out by WhoScored, United are currently the biggest underperformers out of Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to expected goals (xG).
The figures suggest United should have scored five more goals than they currently have in the Premier League based on the chances created.
United have already hit the woodwork four times this season – twice as much as any other top-flight team. Luck has not been in Amorim’s favour so far.
However, Amorim can take some pride in the statistics. United lead the way in the Premier League for expected goals (xG), so clearly his side is creating chances. The goals will come.
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United’s struggle in front of goal is only made more frustrating by the fact that over £180m was spent on a new front three over the summer.
Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were brought in to find the back of the net, but so far only Mbeumo has scored in the Premier League.
However, it’s important to give the trio time. Cunha is already becoming a fan favourite with some impressive performances, while Sesko has been integrated slowly by Amorim.
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The three have hardly spent any time together on the pitch, but that should change when the Premier League resumes after the international break.
Once all three summer signings are up to speed and match fit, the chances being created by Amorim’s side should find the back of the net on a more regular basis.