When people talk about attacking football in the Premier League, the same names often get thrown into the conversation. Liverpool, with their relentless pressing and wide forwards. Manchester City, with their positional play and ability to suffocate teams into submission. Arsenal, who have built a slick, youthful side full of creativity and runners. Yet, somehow, Manchester United rarely get the respect they deserve — even when the evidence is staring people in the face.
The early weeks of the 2025/26 Premier League season have produced one undeniable truth: Manchester United are the most dangerous attacking side in the league right now. Not because of blind optimism. Not because of bias. But because the numbers — the cold, hard facts — back it up.
And still, there are fans, pundits, and rival supporters refusing to accept this reality. Some are in denial. Some are too caught up in stereotypes of United being a “club in transition.” Some of them, shockingly, are United fans themselves, unable to move past the frustrations of recent years. But whether people want to accept it or not, United’s attack is leading the way in English football.
The Expected Goals Revolution
Let’s start with the most telling stat: Expected Goals (xG). After three games of the season, United top the Premier League with an xG of 6.7. That’s higher than Chelsea (6.4) and Brighton (6.1), two clubs that are being praised for their attacking play.
xG isn’t just about the number of shots you take, it’s about the quality of those chances. It measures how likely a chance is to result in a goal, based on factors like shot distance, angle, and situation. For United to be at the top means one thing: they’re creating the best, most dangerous chances in the league.
This isn’t a case of speculative long shots or hopeful crosses into the box. Amorim’s team is cutting through defenses, breaking lines, and carving out opportunities that should — and often do — result in goals.
Shots on Target: A Ruthless Edge
Liverpool may lead the league for shots on target per 90 minutes (5.67), but United aren’t far behind with 5.0. That number matters because it reflects ruthlessness. It’s not just about pulling the trigger; it’s about testing the keeper, forcing saves, and putting pressure on defenses.
United are no longer wasteful in front of goal. This is an attack that looks sharp, decisive, and purposeful.
Shot-Creating Actions: Where The Magic Happens
If there’s one statistic that exposes just how relentless this United attack has become, it’s this: United lead the Premier League in shot-creating actions, with 106 (35.3 per 90 minutes).
For context, the next best side is Bournemouth with 81 (27.0 p90). Then comes Chelsea with 72 (24.0 p90). United aren’t just leading here, they’re dominating.
This tells us the entire attacking structure is working. The midfield is progressing the ball. The wide players are taking on defenders. The full-backs are contributing. And the forwards are constantly moving into dangerous positions. It’s fluid, it’s aggressive, and it’s sustainable.
Touches in the Box: Penetrating Defenses
Another stat where United are untouchable so far: 91 touches in the opposition’s penalty area. That’s more than Bournemouth (83) and Manchester City (79).
Why does this matter? Because it proves United aren’t just floating around the halfway line or playing sterile possession. They’re consistently breaking into the most dangerous part of the pitch — the penalty box. And the more touches you have there, the higher your chances of scoring.
Progressive Carries: Driving The Team Forward
Ball progression has been a weakness in United sides of the past, but Amorim’s influence is already showing. United lead the league in progressive carries (76), ahead of Manchester City (72) and Arsenal (62).
This is about players willing to take the ball forward with intent, breaking lines with their dribbling or movement. It’s not sideways passing. It’s not safe, predictable football. It’s ambitious, forward-thinking play — and it’s working.
Defensive Balance: Tackles and Aerials
An underrated part of United’s early-season dominance is how solid they’ve looked defensively, particularly in transition. They lead the Premier League in tackle success (67.4%), edging Chelsea (64.9%) and West Ham (63.3%). That means when United press and commit bodies forward, they’re also winning the ball back effectively when they lose it.
In the air, United rank second with 64 aerials won, behind only Everton (74). This shows a physical presence and resilience that balances the technical, attacking flair.
The Big Picture
Add all these numbers together, and a clear picture emerges: Manchester United are not just playing attacking football, they’re excelling in it across every measurable metric.
- They create the best chances (xG).
- They put shots on target consistently.
- They dominate shot-creating actions.
- They flood the penalty box with presence.
- They drive the ball forward aggressively.
- And crucially, they balance it with defensive solidity.
It’s easy to see why rivals are trying to dismiss it, or why some fans are hesitant to believe. After years of false dawns, frustration, and inconsistency, it feels almost strange to see United leading the way. But this isn’t smoke and mirrors. This isn’t hype.
This is what the numbers say. This is what the eye test confirms. This is Manchester United finally looking like an attacking powerhouse again
