Danny Murphy believes that Manchester United’s shortage of goals will hold them back in the race for the Premier League’s top four.
United’s stuttering start to the league campaign continued on Saturday as they were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
It could have been worse for Erik ten Hag’s side, with Andre Onana’s second-half goalkeeping heroics ensuring they didn’t slip to a third league defeat in four games.
However, with just two wins in their first five matches, the Red Devils are already off the pace in the hunt for a top-four spot with tough fixtures against Tottenham and Aston Villa coming up.
Despite smashing seven past third-tier Barnsley in the Carabao Cup in midweek, United have looked blunt in the league and Murphy believes the distinct lack of an experienced striker may hold them back.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
‘I think they’ve made some decent signings in the defensive area of the pitch to help them in that respect,’ he said on Match of the Day.
‘But they didn’t address the shortage of goals. Last season they scored the joint lowest amount in the top half. For Manchester United.
‘They brought in Zirkzee, the only attacking player. He’s a young lad, he’s not a goal scorer per se and he’s not really a centre-forward.
‘That’s not going to get Manchester United where they want to be in terms of competing for the title, even top four I think they’re going struggle even if they make chances and have creativity in the team.’
In that regard, United will be buoyed by the return of Rasmus Hojlund, whose 15-minute cameo markets his first appearance of the season.
The Dane notched up ten goals in the league last season but, for Murphy, the Red Devils should have looked for a more experienced attacker to partner the 21-year-old.
More Trending
‘They’ll expect more from Hojlund, he’s come back today,’ he said. ‘But I think Ivan Toney was the one.’
Ten Hag, meanwhile, was also left lamenting his side’s wasteful display in front of goal. ‘I think we played very good and had total control of the game. In and out of possession, I think we played very good,’ the Dutchman said.
‘The only thing was in the box and in the box is always where the game is decided. We should be more clinical.
‘There is always one chance [for the opposition] and they got the chance in the 44th minute – it was a big chance they got. One mistake leads to a big chance for them. At the time, we should have been 2-0 or 3-0 up.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Former Manchester United star apologises after ‘losing his mind’ with fan
MORE: Why Joao Pedro is not playing for Brighton against Nottingham Forest
