Goals scored in league since Fergie retired:
13/14: 64
14:15: 62
15/16: 49
16/17: 54
17/18: 68
18/19: 65
19/20: 66
20/21: 73
21/22: 57
22/23: 58
23:24: 52 (with 2 games to go)
Not counting this season as it hasn't finished yet, we've averaged 61.6 goals in 10 season from 2013 to 2023. 2020/21 only season where we scored 70+ goals (9-0 win vs Southampton contributed significantly). We haven't scored 60+ goals in either of last 3 seasons.
A lot has been made of our defensive troubles and they are present but we've had some good defensive seasons over this last decade. Attack has been underwhelming and not good enough whole decade.
So a striker that'll score 20 goals a season is very much needed. I like Hojlund and he's shown us he can go on a goalscoring run (like he did in February) but he's probably still few seasons away from fulfilling his potential.
Excellent post and this is the truth.
Currently none of the United front three on form should be starting. If Rashford regains form he could be included. United front three should be three players at the top of their game that can win you the game in their own.
I’d like to see a complete overhaul in team set up with two full back options on either side, I’ll explain we buy Frimpong for the Right as an attacking overlapping full back plus Dalot can play both roles but suits the inverted full back role, We keep Shaw and go buy Miguel Gutierrez from Girona whose. More of a creator and we rotate these four not to burn them out, Full back or Wing Back are now the most important players in the squad they can create as much now as wingers and attacking midfield players and without Shaw this season we’ve had zero creativity.
I would like to see Us start the season with a fit and last chance Rashford, B Sesco or D Solanki and M Olise
The back up options would be Garnaucho whose proven his worth but still has a huge amount to learn plus his numbers with more games are not better than a totally out of form Rashford, Put Shaw with him and they’ll be good to go next season, the season after I’m not sure. The sight of Olise/Frimpong or Olise/Dalot will terrorise clubs next year in PL.
I see Ivan Toney at 28/29 whose been average at best since his return causing far too many issues, he’ll want £250k per week, want to be the main man and he’s played for Peterborough and Brentford, cone on. Solanki has the all round gane to be brilliant at United, he’ll be £55m which is probably now the same price as B Sesco, I genuinely think Sesco is light years ahead of Rasmus, his touch is similar to a player like Zlatan, I’m slightly biased as my wife is slovenian and I had the privilege of seeing him live last year a few times in Slovenia qualifying games, we go back 5 or 6 times a year and this kid is reverted throughout the Balkans, Serbia and Croatia wish they had him?
Why is he better than Rasmus, he’s technically miles better, touch, movement, hold up play and he’s a goal scorer, this kid development will be meteoric in the next 3 years, he has it all. His only weakness compared to Rasmus and that’s debatable is whether Rasmus is quicker.
I’d like to see our Front Three be Rashford, Solanke or Hojlund, M Olise
And backed with Garnaucho, Hojlund, Amad (who is far similar to Olise than any other player we have)
We need to sell Greenwod, Pellistri, Antony and make a decision on Sancho, Manager depending. Antony must be sold, he’s simply not good enough and the most annoying recruit we’ve had in last 7 or 8 years since Angel Di Maria.
If we lose Martial wages 250k per week, Lose Sancho (35m/300k), Greenwood (30m/75k) and Antony (25m/200k) F Pellistri (10m/25k)
The Club receives £100m and reduced wages by £600k per week or £30m per year saving on wages means Olise and Solanki/Sesco £110m. Plus wages of (£12-15m). Saves the club at least £10m per year in wages for a huge upgrade.
I’m sure with 6 options that I’ve mentioned and more balanced options scores 70-75 PL goals next season as the team improves overall as an attacking unit.
If we by some miracle achieved European football I’d add for £15m Guirassy as an elder statesman at 29 who play across the front three positions. We need at least two CF’s but I’d argue a team like ours needs 3.