When discussing attacking football in the Premier League, certain clubs always dominate the conversation. Liverpool impresses with relentless pressing and wide forwards, Manchester City dazzles with positional play that suffocates opponents, and Arsenal boasts a youthful, creative side full of energy. Yet, Manchester United often go underrated, even when the statistics tell a different story.
The early weeks of the 2025/26 season reveal one undeniable fact: Manchester United currently have the most dangerous attack in the league. This isn’t opinion or wishful thinking; the numbers support it. Despite this, some fans, pundits, and rival supporters struggle to accept the truth. Some cling to the “club in transition” stereotype, while even certain United fans remain skeptical, weighed down by past frustrations. Regardless, United’s attacking dominance is clear.
The Expected Goals Revolution
Expected Goals (xG) is one of the most telling statistics for evaluating offensive strength. After three games, United lead the Premier League with an xG of 6.7—surpassing Chelsea (6.4) and Brighton (6.1), both teams widely praised for their attacking play.
xG doesn’t simply measure shot volume; it evaluates the quality of scoring opportunities based on factors like shot distance, angle, and context. United topping this metric demonstrates that they are creating the league’s most threatening chances—not relying on speculative long shots but breaking defenses and generating high-probability opportunities.
Shots on Target: Efficiency Matters
While Liverpool leads in shots on target per 90 minutes with 5.67, United are close behind at 5.0. This reflects more than just frequency; it shows a ruthless, decisive approach in front of goal. United are sharp, efficient, and consistently testing goalkeepers while pressuring opposing defenses.
Shot-Creating Actions: The Engine of Attack
United dominate the Premier League in shot-creating actions, recording 106 (35.3 per 90 minutes). To put that in perspective, the next-best team is Bournemouth with 81 (27.0 per 90) and then Chelsea with 72 (24.0 per 90). This dominance highlights the team’s coordinated attacking structure: the midfield progresses the ball, wide players take on defenders, full-backs contribute offensively, and forwards continually exploit dangerous spaces. It’s fluid, aggressive, and sustainable.
Touches in the Box: Breaking Down Defenses
United also lead in touches inside the opposition’s penalty area, totaling 91—more than Bournemouth (83) and Manchester City (79). This shows they aren’t content with holding possession in neutral areas; they penetrate the most dangerous zones, increasing their scoring chances significantly.
Progressive Carries: Moving Forward with Intent
Historically a weakness, ball progression is now a strength under Amorim. United top the league in progressive carries with 76, ahead of Manchester City (72) and Arsenal (62). These carries reflect ambitious, forward-thinking play that breaks defensive lines, demonstrating intent and creativity rather than predictable sideways passing.
Defensive Balance: Tackles and Aerials
United’s early-season success isn’t limited to offense. Defensively, they excel in transition, leading the Premier League in tackle success at 67.4%, slightly ahead of Chelsea (64.9%) and West Ham (63.3%). Their aerial presence is also notable, ranking second in the league with 64 aerials won, just behind Everton (74). This balance ensures that their attacking style is complemented by resilience and physicality.
The Big Picture
Considering all these metrics together, a clear narrative emerges: Manchester United aren’t just playing attacking football—they’re excelling in every measurable aspect. They create the best chances, maintain consistent shots on target, dominate shot-creating actions, maintain a strong presence in the box, progress the ball aggressively, and pair offensive flair with defensive solidity.
It’s understandable why some might resist accepting this, given years of inconsistency. But these numbers are undeniable, and the eye test confirms it. Manchester United are, once again, an attacking powerhouse in the Premier League.