Manchester United's crazy corner record highlights big problem with simple solution

There was a familiar feeling to Manchester United's victory over Aston Villa. Not just because Scott McTominay proved to be the hero from the bench, but also because of the manner of the goal they conceded.

United's defensive shape was all wrong throughout the clash at Villa Park, and they were fortunate that they only conceded in the second phase of play from a corner rather than from the first.

Andre Onana did well to keep out Clement Lenglet's initial effort, but there was little he could do when Douglas Luiz fired into the back of the net seconds later.

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It exploited a worrying weakness in the United backline and a troublesome trend that has been apparent all season. United concede a lot of corners; it is no surprise they concede from them either.

United have conceded the joint-highest expected goals from corners in the Premier League this campaign, with the stats suggesting they have given away enough chances to typically expect nine goals against them. Erik ten Hag's side have actually only conceded six goals from those, though it could quite easily have been more if not for sharp stops from Onana to deny the likes of Ollie Watkins and Tomáš Souček in the last two matches.

United's specific defensive record from corners is by no means the worst in the division, with Arsenal, Brighton, and Aston Villa conceding more frequently from them, but the underlying issue is that they have faced a whole lot more.

United have had a staggering 157 against them already this season, while Arsenal have had just 66 against them. It means United have only actually