Negative #2 – No clean sheets so far
The Red Devils have conceded 5 times in their first 3 games, including 2 at the weekend against Burnley.
Some of these goals will be blamed on goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, and while that may be true to some extent, the xG conceded figure shows they are not defending well overall.
United have conceded 4.27 xG, which puts their defence 13th after three matches played.
Positive #2 – United are pressing their opponents
Amorim’s team have the joint-fourth lowest figure in the Premier League for opposition passes per defensive action (PPDA).
Their PPDA after three matches played is 10.9, according to Opta, which is only bettered by Bournemouth (9.6), Brighton (9.7) and Tottenham (10.2).
It should be noted, however, that 0% of presses have led to a shot being created or a goal being scored, which means they may not be pressing as high as other teams.
Negative #3 – Sesko has had a difficult start
The forward has been a substitute in all three fixtures so far, getting a total of 80 minutes on the pitch.
Sesko has not really been a threat either, taking 4 shots with a total xG of just 0.38. Joshua Zirkzee, in contrast, has only played 59 minutes, but he has already racked up 7 shots with a total of 0.67 xG.
United need a find a way of getting Sesko into the game more. That may come in time when he has built up a better understanding with his teammates.
Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
