Manchester United can fix latest glaring problem with smart January transfer

It's been a difficult afternoon of turmoil in which the house just won't crumble no matter how much you huff and puff and then finally, in the last few seconds, a golden opening presents itself. A close-range header, the goalkeeper flatfooted and scrambling, the winner there for the taking. The ball floats wide and everyone is left with their hands on their heads in disbelief.

Of all Manchester United's many problems in which Erik ten Hag is gradually trying to rectify it's scoring goals which is proving to be a debilitating and costly one at present. United were not good against Newcastle and fortunate not to be behind at the break but by the time the full-time whistle blew they should have had three points.

Marcus Rashford did miss the last-gasp header, the sort of lack of cutting edge that has prevented him from really making the No.9 spot his own, but it was at least his introduction that added some much-needed verve and impetus to the attack. The other galling miss of the game came when he rounded Nick Pope and instead of shooting from a tight angle teed up Fred instead. The shock of that miss wasn't quite as unexpected.

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United have been losing their ruthlessness in front of goals over the last two years. While there were serious issues with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's set up his side was exciting to watch for a significant amount of time. They scored 126 goals in all competitions in his final full season in charge (2020/21). The next year saw a dramatic decrease down to just 71.

The trend appears to be continuing under a third manager this season, with just 19 goals scored so far. 13 have come in the Premier League, making them the 10th