Manchester United’s offensive failings have marked their recent performances, but the Red Devils’ concerns at the back came back to haunt them against Norwich City as Cameron Jerome gave the Canaries the lead.
The Red Devils had threatened to open the score throughout the first half and they had several good chances, notably when Wayne Rooney had the ball in the back of the net, only to be ruled out for offside.
However, United were exposed at the back in the 38th minute, when the visitors broke down the right flank, with Nathan Redmond terrorising Phil Jones, before setting up Jerome.
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The forward—who hasn’t always demonstrated his class in the Premier League—held off Michael Carrick, evaded a challenge from Chris Smalling, and fired past David De Gea to give Alex Neill’s side the one goal advantage.
Heading into the weekend’s fixtures, United’s attack could arguably be considered their weakest spot, with the Red Devils having scored only 21 goals—considerably fewer than their rivals in the top four Leicester City, Arsenal and Manchester City.
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While United have often impressed at the back, their failure to sign a new centre-back during the summer, and van Gaal’s decision not to recruit a backup option for Luke Shaw at left-back may well end up costing the Old Trafford giants.