(Credit Imago)

Jack Heath

Tue 5 August 2025 21:02, UK

Harry Maguire and other Man United defenders have received unfair criticism despite the data pointing fingers at the Man United attackers’ appalling showing in front of goal.

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Ruben Amorim had to contend with underperforming players across the pitch in his first season in charge of the Red Devils.

His headaches varied from butterfingers goalkeeper Andre Onana to forward Rasmus Hojlund who was incapable of finding the back of the net.

Yet, the Portuguese’s defence came under fire due to their disorganisation which saw them concede a whopping 54 goals, far below the usual standards for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

But, the backline has been unfairly mistreated given their list of injuries as well as abysmal displays by their attacking counterparts last season.

Data suggests blame should be thrown elsewhere away from the spine of the Red Devils towards the frontline.

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Talking on talkSPORT (4 August), ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor spoke highly of the red half of Manchester’s attacking options, he said: “[Amad] Diallo, [Bryan] Mbeumo, [Matheus] Cunha, [Bruno] Fernandes, [Mason] Mount can come on as well, they’ve got such exciting players.

“[Kobbie] Mainoo in midfield, going forward and in centre-midfield they’ve got so many options that they will score goals Manchester United.”

However, it was a different story for Agbonlahor when commenting on United’s backline, he added: “But, I just think, what’s going to cost them getting into European places is that defence.

“It’s nowhere near good enough.”

Harry Maguire and his defensive colleagues are simply not good enough according to the former Villain

Data from FFScout paints a different picture to Agbonlahor, despite it being clear as day that the defence must sure up for the new campaign.

In the 2024-25 Premier League season, the Red Devils were 12th for goals conceded (54), albeit a dreadful number given the stature of the football club.

However, the attackers barely tried to provide some respite to the backline as they were 16th for goals scored (44) in the league.

Only Everton and the relegated teams were worst than Amorim’s side which makes for pretty painful viewing.

Additionally, they majorly underperformed their xG of 53.48 with only Crystal Palace poorer at converting chances.

Man United Premier League 2024-25NumberPositionGoals conceded5412thGoals scored4416thExpected goals (xG)53.4812thxG delta (overperformance/underperformance)-9.4819thUnited’s statistics in front of and defending their goal (Source: FFScout)

This demonstrates that the United attack was woeful last time out and couldn’t hit a barn door with Hojlund and Zirkzee among the diabolical goal-getters.

At the back, the comeback of Lenny Yoro and the expected early season return of Lisandro Martinez will boost the defensive performances next season.

Conversely, further attacking acquisitions such as the hugely talented Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig will vastly reinvigorate the ex-Sporting CP manager’s attacking prospects as well.

Better chance creation and conversion must be a top priority for Amorim ahead of the new Premier League season as he aims to kickstart his project.

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