Manchester United continued their poor form by only getting a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, which means that the team has not won in the last four matches of all competitions. Scoring goals has always been a major problem for Louis Van Gaal’s United.
It has been more pronounced than ever in the last four matches. The Red Devils scored only one goal in these games and it came in the 1-1 draw against CSKA Moscow. Things looked extremely promising at the start of the campaign when Anthony Martial was scoring for fun, but the goals have dried for the Frenchman as well.
Van Gaal’s first concern was raised after the draw with Middlesbrough in the League Cup. United went out on penalties despite being the home team. After challenging with Manchester City at the top of the table only a few weeks ago, United have dropped to fourth in the table. They have also seen City open a four-point advantage during this period. United will have to recover their form quickly if they are to retain their title challenge, while the Champions League hopes also rests heavily on the upcoming home game against CSKA Moscow. Wolfsburg lead their European group whereas United and CSKA Moscow are level on points.
“There’s a big concern but I already said that after the match against Middlesbrough.[In that match] we created many chances but did not finish.[Today] we didn’t create so many chances so it’s more difficult. When you don’t keep the ball you can’t create chances. I cannot see that. When I see the characters I don’t think they doubt about that quality. It can change in one match and let it be against CSKA Moscow [in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Tuesday], because we need a victory,” said Van Gaal.