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Man Utd news: ‘I think it’s a SERIOUS worry’ - United slammed over SHOCK stat
MANCHESTER UNITED are yet to outrun an opposition team in the Premier League this season - and Michael Owen believes that is a serious concern for Jose Mourinho.
Owen was speaking ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Southampton on Saturday.
All 13 of United’s opponents before that game had covered more ground than Jose Mourinho’s side when they faced them.
Owen says that reflected the Red Devils’ league position, with them sitting eighth in the table before kick off.
The former United striker says Mourinho generally prefers a more physical style of player who would naturally get around the pitch less than someone of smaller stature.
Manchester United are near the bottom in virtually every stat there and it’s pretty worrying
But Owen says the game has changed in recent years and distance covered is a more important statistic.
So he thinks it is a big problem Mourinho must solve.
“They’re damning (stats) but not surprising when you look at it,” he said on BT Sport.
“Just visually you can understand these statistics really.
“I was always taught the teams that win more often are the ones that out-sprint the other teams.
“Not necessarily cover the most ground, but out-sprint the other teams.
“Manchester United are near the bottom in virtually every stat there and it’s pretty worrying.
“Jose goes for a big, solid type of player and, I’m generalising a little bit, but that type of player doesn’t tend to get around the pitch as much.
“It’s startling really, how you can run less than every team that you’ve played against.
“And it’s a worry, I think it’s a serious worry.
“The game is changing all the time, you’ve got to be able to run, it’s the fundamental.”