Stats prove Man United’s lack of thrust

Manchester United have attempted fewer shots than Norwich, Watford and Aston Villa in the Premier League this term and their reluctance to pull the trigger has them on course for their fewest efforts in a season in 15 years.

Louis van Gaal expressed concern at his side’s attacking woes when they fired another Old Trafford blank in a Capital One Cup loss to Middlesbrough on Wednesday, and statistics for the 2014-15 campaign suggest the Dutchman has cause to be anxious.

Through 10 games, Wayne Rooney and company have managed just 105 efforts on goal, which averages out at a paltry 10.5 shots per match.