Manchester United might have the quick fix they desperately need

We're only four matches into the new season, and already it is all a bit doom and gloom at Manchester United.

It is not helped by the fact they have entered an international break on the back of a demoralising defeat to Arsenal, nor by the off-field distractions of allegations against Antony, continued takeover uncertainty, or Erik ten Hag pulling the pin on the Jadon Sancho grenade.

The optimism that followed the club's summer business has soon disappeared. However, a good run of results when club football returns could certainly help alter the mood.

It might seem a bit happy-clappy to take such an approach, but the harsh reality is that winning matches makes everything a lot easier, and United have reason to be confident of a quick turnaround.

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United can have no complaints about where they are in the Premier League after four matches, and might even count themselves lucky to have two wins given their performances against Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

What we've learned from those opening matches is United have conceded far too many goals, already more than both Arsenal and Manchester City combined, and have not scored enough. It might sound painfully straightforward and dumbed down, but it's true.

The defensive problems are the biggest worry because there is no apparent quick fix. United have an expected goals against of 7.13 and have conceded 7, so they are conceding as many as you'd expect from the chances they've had against them.

It might be a while before that is addressed, given Raphael Varane is still sidelined and both Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof suffered scares in the defeat to Arsenal.

Ten Hag will hope the deadline day