Erik ten Hag conceded Manchester United must improve in forward areas after a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa extended the Red Devils’s winless run to five games on Sunday. United’s return of five goals from their opening seven games is their lowest ever in the Premier League era. Ten Hag’s men have failed to find the net in three consecutive league games after another 0-0 stalemate at winless Crystal Palace and a 3-0 humbling at home by Tottenham last weekend. 

“We know in this moment we have a lack of goals,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports. “In that perspective it’s not a good start, we have to step up. That’s an area we have to improve.” However, the under-fire Dutchman was keen to focus on the positives of a much more solid defensive display after a 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.