December 23, (THEWILL) – Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag, has insisted his side still have the quality to score goals, despite failing to find the back of the net in their last four matches. The barren run is the club’s worst since 1992.
Speaking after the demoralising 2-0 defeat away to West Ham United on Saturday, Ten Hag acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, but backed his forwards to rediscover their scoring touch. “We have players who can do it. Rashford, Hojlund, Garnacho, Fernandes, McTominay – they’ve all proved they can score,” he stated.
Late goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus earned West Ham a vital victory, lifting them above an out-of-sorts United side languishing in mid-table. Ten Hag rued his team’s lack of creativity and urgency in the final third. “We have to take responsibility. Getting into the box, arriving to score – that’s what’s missing right now,” he added.
The defeat caps a dismal 2023 for the 20-time English champions. The loss marked their 20th of the calendar year – the club’s worst such tally since 1989. Worryingly, 13 defeats in 26 games represents United’s bleakest pre-Christmas period for over 90 years.
West Ham manager, David Moyes, who masterminded the downfall of his former club, praised his players for clinging onto victory despite ceding control for long periods. “Whoever scored first would likely win it – thankfully we got the goal,” he reflected.
Moyes also hailed his team’s progress since selling England midfielder, Declan Rice, to rivals, Arsenal, last summer. “Rebuilding after losing your best player, obtaining 30 points come late December – that’s brilliant for West Ham”, the Scot mused.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
