Ian Wright has warned Erik ten Hag that Manchester United need to sharpen up their attacking play if they are to continue climbing the Premier League table.
Ten Hag has steadied the ship at Old Trafford after enduring a nightmare start to the season. Despite some recent setbacks, results have improved under the Dutchman, with United now up to fifth in the top-flight rankings.
But although Wright has been enthused by United, he still harbours concerns over the club's attacking output. With just 13 goals so far this term, Manchester United are one of the lowest scorers in the top half of the league - and Wright believes that is an issue that needs to be amended urgently.
Speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty Show, he said: "Up to this point in the season I think they've only had 42 shots on target, something like that. It's not enough for Manchester United. At the same time, it's slowly coming because they are creating chances. That will come with the confidence of what you're seeing day to day in training.
"Things are starting to happen, and you can see a little bit of it on the pitch. You can see they're still trying to get there. When you're trying something but don't get the outcome as it happens you start to think I don't want to try that anymore. You're a little bit apprehensive about doing it rather than just trying it.
"That's what United have to do they have to break through something. There's still a lot of sideways passing not enough movement up front to come to the ball so you can pass through lines."
Although Wright believes Manchester United need to do more in front of goal, the performances of Marcus Rashford suggest that Ten Hag does have the firepower required to improve United's attacking statistics.
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The United academy graduate has kickstarted his Old Trafford career under Ten Hag and has flourished in a central role, where he has amassed eight goal contributions in 11 games after usurping Cristiano Ronaldo.
And Wright insisted that the England striker, who had been tipped to leave United after falling out of favour under Ralf Rangnick, has looked "f****** dangerous" as a No.9.
Speaking on the Wrighty's House podcast after United's win over Arsenal last month, Wright said: "I can't complain about that because Arsenal went there with the right attitude. Looking at Manchester United, in the current climate, you don't want those players to get confidence. But Rashford looks reborn, he's putting the pot on the fire because he's ready to cook. In that instance [running through on goal], he looks unstoppable.
"The only thing that is going to stop him is if the pass isn't good enough, or his touch isn't good enough. Both of the finishes got a little clip off somebody, but he's getting the luck now. With his pace, he is f****** dangerous."
