Manchester United failed to score past Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night with the final third play simply not being creative enough.
It was a positive night at the City Ground for Ruben Amorim as he watched his side be the better side by a significant margin.
Manchester United dominated in all the key statistics; however, the one which ultimately mattered was the scoreline, and this was tipped in Forest’s favour.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United statistics
Forest Statistic United
32% Possession 68%
0.48 Expected goals 1.63
8 Shots 23
0 Big chances 3
0 Hit woodwork 1
United lost the game 1-0 to Forest though, as the league leading defence held strong as Amorim’s side failed to create many clear chances.
After the defeat, Amorim admitted he was impressed with United’s display, but ultimately, he was let down by finishing from his side.
With the attack faltering, Amorim took drastic measures in the game’s closing moments; he threw on a wildcard option as a striker.
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Harry Maguire shows Rasmus Hojlund up as a striker
Chasing a goal, Amorim will have looked to his bench and seen no attacking options with a goal in them, so instead chose to throw Harry Maguire onto the pitch as a striker.
Following the game, Amorim stated that Maguire is United’s biggest threat from set-pieces, and in the brief few minutes he was on the pitch, the 32-year-old centre-back provided the most attacking threat of anyone.
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With just seven touches, Maguire accumulated 0.6 expected goals, which is a substantial tally having barely been on the pitch, with the biggest chance being when he effort was cleared off the line.
This xG tally, which was all accumulated in added time, is more than Rasmus Hojlund managed in his previous 15 appearances for United.
This is an embarrassing statistic which speaks volumes about the poor movement Hojlund has shown in the box, with Maguire’s much better right now.
Manchester United’s need for a new striker grows
One thing which is crystal clear after Tuesday night is that Amorim’s system is beginning to take shape. Due to this, a few additions should be what it takes to see United picking up wins in games like Tuesday.
Most important of all will be to sign a striker who is a natural goalscorer, as 0.6 xG for a top forward would result in a goal.
United have been linked with Victor Osimhen more than once, and he would tick plenty of boxes in the desire to pick up a new number nine.
An upgrade this drastic could revolutionise the United attack and fix the majority of the issues Amorim’s side have been facing which is a lack of goals despite improving performances.
The fact Maguire outperformed Hojlund should speak volumes for Ineos, showing they must make an addition this summer.