Manchester United top the lists for the most fouls in the Premier League this season.
The Sun reports that United have committed 75 fouls so far this campaign, more than any other team.
United started the season in disastrous fashion, losing their first two games against Brighton and Brentford respectively. The soft center and the lack of desire of the team were questioned after the defeats.
Since then, Ten Hag’s men have taken a new and more combative approach. The uptick in energy and desire has translated into improved results, with United winning their last four.
United fans have no doubt welcomed the increased commitment, having seen a seemingly toolless squad of players over the last twelve months.
This aggressiveness is something that was missing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick last season.
In the 2021/22 campaign, Scott McTominay was the only United player to break into the top 20 list with the most fouls committed in the league. The club also ranked sixteenth in the overall list.
It probably comes as no surprise that McTominay is leading the way with fouls committed again this season, not just for United but for the entire league. 15 fouls put him top of the list with Aston Villa’s Boubacar Kamara.
McTominay also received four yellow cards in six games this season. Ten Hag has praised the Scotsman in recent weeks and his form keeps five-time Champions League winner Casemiro out of the squad.
New kid Tyrell Malacia and right-back Diogo Dalot are also in the top 12 for fouls committed this season, underlining the aggressive approach of the back four.
Perhaps surprisingly, Lisandro Martinez does not feature in the top 12, but his aggressive and no-nonsense style also reflects the fight Ten Hag has instilled in his squad.
United take a break from Premier League action tonight, kicking off their Europa League campaign against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, before traveling to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
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