Following the revelation that Manchester United have failed to score a direct free-kick in the Premier League for over a year, statistic courtesy of The Athletic, supporters have reacted in utter disbelief – with their most recent free-kick strike in the division coming against Cardiff City in December 2018.
The Red Devils ran out comfortable 5-1 winners away to Cardiff that day, perhaps highlighting a more clinical edge going forward, with Marcus Rashford opening the score on the night with United’s only direct free-kick goal in 12 months.
Rashford, who buried the stunning effort just three minutes into the first half, had no idea that his side would still be waiting to add on to their tally of direct free-kick goals almost a season later – with supporters particularly bemused over the alarming statistic.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side take on Newcastle United this Boxing day in a bid to grab all three points and, perhaps, put an end to that shocking record.
Here’s how United fans responded on Twitter.
Just don’t add fuel to the fire now, let the players enjoy Christmas in peace and then do the talking.The whole team is in shambles and it’s not a their fault nor Ole’s, this goes all the way back to Moyes after Fergie left.
The team needs a new president, new manager and players— Danny (@ShinjiKouki) December 23, 2019
The club is on a decline and players who aren’t good enough get rewarded with new contracts hence it’s a matter of time before lingard gets a 200k contract renewal,the slackness starts from the top and filters through and onto the pitch,very sad times
— united 1999 (@talbot2610) December 23, 2019
We haven’t gotten a good free-kick taker since the boss left pic.twitter.com/9Yi8peApsz
— (@WazzaEra) December 23, 2019
Cant pass
Cant keep the ball for 2 mins
Cant take corner kicks
Cant score from free kick.Is there anything this team can do?
— Mufc20 (@Mufc7249) December 23, 2019
Rashford should learn how to bend the ball sometimes or step away for Perreira or Fred to take it. It’s very sad we don’t have any set piece taker. Our top priority in no 10 should also be that the player must be CREATIVE and a VERY GOOD set piece taker
— AR (@Nukes1005) December 23, 2019
This is down to coaching and failing to change or punish the bloke who constantly misses it and assigning the duty to others
— RÖHiT57 (@PogProdigy) December 23, 2019
Watch Man Utd V Newcastle United Free with Prime on Boxing Day
