A closer look at the stats surrounding United’s attacking trio.
As Manchester United gear up for the new season, we thought that we would take a closer look at the club’s potential frontline, as it is the only area of the squad (aside from in goal) that they are yet to improve upon.
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Having brought in Luke shaw, United have added balance to their defence, while Ander Herrera will bring some much needed creativity to the middle of the park.
Last season saw United suffer their worst ever Premier League finish, but with hope renewed under Louis Van Gaal this time around, the club will be hoping that their strike force will have enough about them to fire them back to victory.
Juan Mata
Mata suffered for his versatility last season. Having been frozen out by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea he thought he’d be given a new lease of life at Old Trafford, only for David Moyes to continue his record of ineptitude by failing to figure out how best to use him. It took him a while to get off the mark, and he even found himself back on the bench as the season inched to a close. However, under Louis Van Gaal he can be expected to play a more pronounced role and hopefully rekindle the sort of form that once made him so highly rated.
Appearances: 14(1)
Goals/Assists: 6(4)
Shots per game: 1.9
Shot accuracy: 37.9%
Conversion rate: 20.7%
Key passes per game: 2.2
Dribbles per game: 0.9
Through balls per game: 0.7
WhoScored rating: 7.29
Wayne Rooney
The England star began the season looking as though he wanted to be somewhere else, and he probably did. Having almost left the club over the summer the speculation had yet to die down when David Moyes was appointed. However, he sought to get his head down and do what he does best. Sadly, he never looked like getting out of second gear, and he often looked frustrated at the club’s stuttering progression. This season he has been handed the captaincy by LVG, and the added responsibility will still be seen as somewhat of an experiment.
Appearances: 27(2)
Goals/Assists: 17(10)
Shots per game: 3.5
Shot accuracy: 42.6%
Conversion rate: 16.8&
Key passes per game: 1.9
Dribbles per game: 1.4
Through balls per game: 0.5
WhoScored rating: 7.62
Robin Van Persie
The Dutchman was unhappier than most at United’s slump last term, and speculation surrounding his own future was rife. His cause wasn’t helped by an extended period on the sidelines through injury, but he looked rejuvenated at the World Cup this summer, and under Louis Van Gaal he will be expected to thrive and rediscover the form that saw him carry the side to Premier League victory in 2013. He will likely be United’s focal point in attack, where he will take advantage of the creative talents behind him.
Appearances: 18(3)
Goals/Assists: 12(3)
Shots per game: 3
Shot accuracy: 33.9%
Conversion rate: 19.4%
Key passes per game: 0.8
Dribbles per game: 0.7
Through balls per game: 0.1
WhoScored rating: 7.05
Thanks to WhoScored for the stats.
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