Erik ten Hag’s appointment has proven to be a success at Manchester United. The Dutchman has changed the mentality of the players, and his side is comfortably sitting in the spot for the UEFA Champions League qualification. His team has delivered the performances, and the crowd is also backing him. One of the primary reasons why Manchester United have started to show dominance is their home form. The Red Devils suffered numerous defeats at their home ground, and the Old Trafford crowd was often quiet during the home games. After their recent displays at home, the crowd has come to life and is chanting the names of the manager and the players. We now look at some of the stats that show how Manchester United’s home run is one of the true reasons behind their success this season.
The Red Devils perfomances at home
Manchester United started their English Premier League 2022/23 campaign with a 2-1 home defeat against Brighton. No manager wants this kind of result in his first competitive match, especially at home. After this disappointing loss, Manchester United have only dropped points once in the last nine matches played at home. The points were dropped in a goalless draw against Newcastle United. During this run, Ten Hag’s men recorded a win against Liverpool, Arsenal, and most recently against Manchester City.
Manchester United have played ten matches at home. They have recorded eight wins, one draw, and one loss. In these ten matches, Ten Hag’s men have found the back of the net 19 times. Overall, the team has scored 34 goals at an average of 1.62 goals per match. Their xG rate per match is 1.44 in the current season. At home, the average goals scored per match are 1.9, with an average xG rate of 1.56. Though the xG rate is a bit low, the conversion rate is much higher.
The Red Devils attempt 13 shots on average and manage to hit the target 38.8% of the time. At home, things are a bit different, as they take 14.5 shots per match and the accuracy rate is 36.6%. The above viz shows the shot map of the last five matches played at home by Manchester United. They have scored 11 goals and registered five wins. Most of the attacks come from the centre or the left side. This can also be seen by looking at the team’s shot map.
Manchester United’s biggest win at home was recorded against Manchester City. After a heavy 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, the Red Devils were looking to avenge their loss. They made a comeback in a famous 2-1 victory over Pep’s side.
A counterattacking side
Manchester United have relied a lot on counterattacks this season. They are efficient with their attacks and are ranked highly among the other teams. Overall, the team creates 27.19 positional attacks and 2.57 counterattacks per match. At home, they average 26 positional attacks and 3.2 counterattacks per match. Erik ten Hag’s men have recorded positive results, and he will look to follow the same game plan in the remaining games.
The defensive stability
Manchester United’s defence has been another key element in their success. The team has conceded 26 goals in 21 league matches. Of these 26 goals, only six have been conceded in ten English Premier League matches at home. This is one of the main reasons behind the success story at home.
The above viz shows the defensive territory of the last five league matches at home. Manchester United have made some crucial interceptions inside their penalty box. They haven’t given up a lot of silly free kicks in the defensive third. There is no statistically significant difference in the win rate of the duels, but the crowd’s support for their home team has lifted their spirits. The opponents attempt 11.14 shots per match, and at home, this average is down to 10.3 shots per match.
Betting Analysis
The 1×2 odds for Manchester United at home in the coming matches will be low. They are a strong team at home, and it won’t be easy for teams to take any points away from Old Trafford. As for the over/under lines, the chances of Manchester United scoring more than two goals against a lower-ranked team are high. They have kept five clean sheets at home, and that might increase the over rates for the opponents.
Manchester United are getting the same feeling that used to come under Sir Alex Ferguson’s era. The team is finding its top form and is getting into the groove of competing for the league title. They will hope to end the season with a good home record.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine