Long-distance shooting more miss than hit for Ole

UNITED are progressing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The club is in a period of transition and it’s a period that will benefit the medium-to-long term health of the first-team squad.

But, there are still improvements to be made, with one of the key areas for United to improve being the team’s effectiveness in possession.

The Reds often flounder when presented with a stubborn defensive block.

The most calculating attacking teams, such as Arsenal, Sheffield United, Liverpool and City tend to avoid shots from outside box.

United, however, shoot from distance less frequently than only Newcastle, with an attempt every 71 passes.

Bruno Fernandes, is a regular offender despite his chances of scoring being slim, with his debut featuring five efforts at goal, all from outside the box.

Fernandes did, though, score United’s equaliser at Everton in March from outside the box.

Fred has taken 30 shots from outside the area in the league this season, scoring none. Andreas Pereira has tried his luck from distance 28 times with no luck.

That equates to 58 attacking plays that could have ended differently if more productive decisions were made higher up the pitch.

Ultimately, United have to be more meticulous while demonstrating greater patience in the final third.

With the Premier League currently on pause, Solskjaer has of time to solve his team’s unwelcome willingness to shoot from distance when better options are available.