Erik ten Hag claims he is not worried by Manchester United's lack of goals – despite them managing just 13 in the Premier League this season.
Of the top 10 in the Premier League, only Bournemouth have scored fewer goals than United, but Ten Hag claimed he is happy with the return from his strikers. United forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Antony have managed just 11 league goals between them this season.
But Ten Hag defended his misfiring strikers and insisted he is not concerned at United – who host Tottenham on Wednesday night - scoring far fewer goals than their immediate domestic rivals.
“I think Marcus scored five goals out of 11 games,” said Ten Hag. “Antony wasn’t involved in the first three games, but he has scored three in his first four appearances.
“Jadon Sancho has scored three goals, Ronaldo has scored two goals, so I think – and Martial, don’t forget him, three goals.
“We have players who can be productive, so as a matter of fact, it’s not a real concern. There are obviously many problems and we had to integrate many players.
"We had to deal with problems offensively from the start - Ronaldo was unavailable, Martial was not on the pitch and didn’t play a full game until now. I’m sure, when that is better, with two No.9s present and fit in a good combative shape, the results from the team will improve.”
Ronaldo threw a strop when he was subbed during United's 0-0 draw with Newcastle at the weekend but Ten Hag defended the reaction of his star player.
“No player is happy when he comes off, especially not Ronaldo, I understand that,” said Ten Hag. “As long as it's in a quiet, normal way, there's no problem with that. Of course, he is convinced he should stay on and should score a goal, that is why he’s that good.”
United's midfielders have also come up short in terms of goals, with Casimero, Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay all having failed to score in the league.
But the most alarming slump has come from Bruno Fernandes, who has scored just once in 13 games in all competitions.
Fernandes plundered 28 goals in his first full season with United, but Ten Hag claimed he is happy with the Portugal playmaker's form.
Captain in the absence of Harry Maguire, Ten Hag said of Fernandes: "He's really an example with the way he transfers the play for us. How he motivates those around him, he's the example with the energy he gives to the team.
“That is really good and I'm happy with his performances - and I know his goals and assists will come."
