Ten Hag: United Lacking 'Killing' Instinct

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Post on Oct 25, 2024

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Ten Hag: United Lacking 'Killing' Instinct

Erik ten Hag has expressed his concern over Manchester United's inability to finish off opponents, highlighting a lack of "killing instinct" as a key area for improvement. Despite a promising start to the season, United have faltered in recent weeks, dropping points against teams they should be comfortably beating.

The Problem: A Failure to Convert Dominance

The Red Devils have consistently dominated possession and created numerous chances in recent games. However, their finishing has been woefully inconsistent. This lack of clinical edge has cost them dearly, with draws against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle leaving a bitter taste in the mouth.

Ten Hag's Perspective

In a post-match interview, Ten Hag acknowledged the issue, stating, "We are creating chances, but we are not converting them. We need to be more ruthless in front of goal. We need to have that killing instinct to put the game away when we have the opportunity."

Analyzing the Causes

Several factors contribute to United's finishing woes:

• Lack of a Reliable Goal Scorer: The absence of a consistent goalscoring threat has been a long-standing issue for United. While Marcus Rashford has shown glimpses of his potential, a clinical finisher capable of consistently bagging goals is crucial.
• Missed Opportunities: United have been guilty of missing golden chances in crucial moments, often failing to capitalize on dominant periods of play. This lack of precision in front of goal is a major concern.
• Pressure and Overthinking: The pressure to perform at Old Trafford can sometimes lead to overthinking and a loss of composure in front of goal. Players need to remain calm and trust their abilities in high-pressure situations.

The Road to Recovery

Ten Hag is well aware of the need to address this weakness. He has emphasized the importance of mental strength and clinical finishing in training, pushing his players to improve their decision-making and execution in the final third.

Investing in the Right Players: The club is actively seeking to bolster its attacking options, with a focus on finding a prolific striker to lead the line. This investment in quality players is crucial for Ten Hag's long-term vision.

Conclusion

While United's overall performance has been encouraging, the lack of a "killing instinct" remains a major obstacle. If they wish to challenge for top honors, they must improve their finishing and become more ruthless in front of goal. Ten Hag's determination to address this weakness, coupled with strategic investment in key positions, will be crucial in the coming months.