There have been very few positives to take from Manchester United’s disappointing start to the season.
Following the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United have now suffered their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United |
7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 8 |
The Red Devils have only picked up eight points from their opening seven league games and have slumped down to 14th in the Premier League table.
It has piled huge pressure on Erik ten Hag’s job as manager, with the Dutchman narrowly avoiding the sack after back-to-back draws with Porto and Villa.
The Dutchman has repeatedly insisted that his United side are still in a process and statistics from around Europe suggest the Red Devils are now the best in class in one area.
Manchester United are best in Europe for key statistic
When Ten Hag joined United, there was a hope that he could replicate the high-intensity style of his Ajax side at Old Trafford.
For one reason or another, that has not quite happened. It is clear that Ten Hag wants to build a side that can press high and starve teams of space, but three years into his reign it is still a work in progress.
Ineos decided to keep hold of Ten Hag over the summer and back him in the transfer window with more signings that will help to implement his style of play, but it has not translated into results this season.
The underlying statistics do reveal, however, that United are the best team in Europe when it comes to interceptions.
As per WhoScored, United are averaging 12.6 interceptions per game – more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.
Additionally, United rank second for the number of tackles made per match. Their 22.3 tackles per game is only bettered by high-flying Monaco (23.1).
It suggests that United’s squad are buying into Ten Hag’s pressing and are winning the ball back on a regular basis.
Lisandro Martinez is key to Man United’s success
United’s defence has been deservedly criticised this season, but the goalless draw against Villa was the fifth clean sheet of the season.
On top of that, the Red Devils are also topping charts for interceptions and tackles, so there are signs that the defence is improving.
One glance at the statistics from the Premier League proves that centre-back Lisandro Martinez has played a big part in that improvement.
According to Premier League stats, Martinez has made 17 interceptions this season – the most out of any player in the top flight.
United teammates Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo also rank in the top five in the Premier League with 15 and 14 interceptions respectively.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/xRFopXl