Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to be more clinical and reach their goals

Under-fire Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are a work in progress that must become more effective in front of goal if they are to overcome their stuttering start to the season.

A topsy-turvy opening to the Dutchman’s third campaign in charge continued on Wednesday night as Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate at Crystal Palace was followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw with FC Twente.

Christian Eriksen scored a thumping opener and then gave away an equaliser as United failed to beat the lowest-ranked side they will host in the new-look Europa League group phase.

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Ten Hag’s men had 18 attempts against Twente having failed with their 15 shots at Selhurst Park, leading the manager to underline the importance of a killer instinct ahead of Tottenham’s arrival on Sunday.

Asked what the problem with United is at the moment, the manager said: “Not scoring goals, not scoring goals enough. That’s the problem, the key area.

“We have to score more goals as a team. I think we have players across the team who have the ability to score. That’s clear.

“You see all the opportunities we are creating, we are not scoring enough.”

The past week has certainly been quite the drop considering they returned from the international break with a 3-0 win at promoted Southampton and 7-0 Carabao Cup triumph against Barnsley.

Those are among just three victories United have managed in eight matches in all competitions after a summer in which Ineos made some smart-looking signings and improved the structure.

“I think you have to assess the situation,” Ten Hag said about his side’s inconsistencies. “Still we are working, we are in progress.

“We have to sign players. We also made a choice to