Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford help MU revive

Erik ten Hag discovered the formula for attack.

With each passing match, people are required to update the latest statistics on Manchester United's attacking trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Marcus Rashford, as if to prove once again a not-so-new observation: ultimately, manager Erik ten Hag has found the perfect attacking formula to bring Manchester United back into the top four of the Premier League.

Finishing in the top four was once an impossible task for a Manchester United team that had lost three of their first five matches and was 13th in the Premier League. By mid-season, MU's form was a mix of wins and losses. Two rounds ago, their goal difference was still negative. Only twice in 21 league matches did MU win consecutive games (once two games, once three). How could such a team possibly aim for the top four, when three of the top four spots in the final standings would almost certainly belong to Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal – teams that are completely superior and on a different level than the rest of the league? At times, Tottenham and Aston Villa have been the best "dark horse" of the season. Then there's the ambitious Newcastle and Chelsea. It's incredibly difficult for MU to compete for the single remaining spot in the top four.

MU thrives with outstanding attacking players.

A good chance of making it into the top 4.

Now, the story is quite different. Of course, it's still a bit difficult, with only a third of the season left for Ten Hag's team to capitalize on the positive signs they're showing. But MU could climb higher than their current 6th place. They are only 5 points behind 4th-placed Aston Villa and 3 points behind Tottenham. Trying to maintain momentum is one thing. Hoping their main rivals slip up is another. While MU are on a four-game winning streak, neither Tottenham nor Aston Villa have won in their last eight league matches. And who knows (depending on the specific developments in the remainder of the season), the Premier League might even finish in the top two in European cup competitions, earning UEFA a fifth Champions League spot for next season!

As mentioned, the key to MU's recent resurgence is the attacking trio of Garnacho, Hojlund, and Rashford. This season, they have only started together 7 times in the Premier League, including the last 5 matches, which is also MU's best run of 5 games so far this season. In their most recent match without all three strikers in the starting lineup, MU lost 1-2 to the mediocre Nottingham Forest. Overall statistics: MU lost 9 matches, scoring only an average of 1 goal per game in 18 appearances when the starting lineup lacked all three players. When they were all present, MU scored an average of 2.4 goals per game and remained undefeated.

It wasn't until "Boxing Day" that Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal. Garnacho and Rashford had each scored only one goal from open play in the previous 18 league matches (Rashford also scored from a penalty). But since December 26, 2023, Hojlund has never started a game without scoring. He set a record as the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League matches. In those same six games, Garnacho contributed four goals and Rashford three.

The dominance of Manchester United's attacking trio is undeniable. However, the key issue is the lack of individual "discoveries." Rashford has been well-known for a long time, and this season has been a poor start for him. Garnacho has been inconsistent. Hojlund has been goalless for half the season, a major disappointment after his £64 million transfer to Old Trafford. On one hand, MU's new attacking formula has likely been developed in training, rather than simply through personnel changes. On the other hand, they are also experiencing a period of good fortune. Garnacho's powerful shot, like a bullet, deflected off Hojlund's chest and into the net, becoming the decisive goal that helped MU win against Luton last weekend! With no other options left in the forward line, manager Ten Hag will be free to focus on other crucial issues to salvage MU in this decisive phase of the season.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/garnacho-hojlund-rashford-giup-mu-hoi-sinh-185240220205615267.htm