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How Man Utd’s 26-shot lead over Arsenal highlights their Premier League approach in 2025/26

Originally posted on HITC | By Sean Fisher | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 3:55 PM ET

Manchester United are leading the Premier League in shots taken, a statistic that has often worked in their favour over the years.

The Red Devils returned to action following a nearly two-week break with a 1-0 win against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Michael Carrick’s side might not have played their best football, but they did enough to deserve the win. According to BBC Sport, United generated 1.27 expected goals (xG) and registered 11 attempts on goal.

Benjamin Sesko’s goal on the counter secured all three points for United. It wasn’t their most fluid attacking display, but it helped them stay ahead at the top of the league’s shots-taken standings.

Man United lead the League in shots taken

Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images

According to Premier League data, no team has taken more shots this season than Manchester United, who have registered 317 attempts so far.

Arsenal are next on the list, with 291 shots, while Manchester City sit third with 279. That means United have a clear lead over their two closest challengers.

Some may view the stat as a sign of inefficiency in front of goal for United. But on the other hand, it highlights how consistently they’ve been able to generate shooting chances throughout the campaign.

United fans may also remember that the last time their side topped this particular chart was back in 2007/08, when Sir Alex Ferguson’s team edged Chelsea to win the title.

The title race isn’t over yet for United. They’re currently 13 points behind Arsenal but still have a game in hand. There’s still plenty of time for things to change.

United’s shooting numbers draw parallels with famous attack of Rooney and Ronaldo

That 2007/08 United side is often talked about as one of the best, especially under Sir Alex Ferguson. Cristiano Ronaldo took home the Ballon d’Or that season, and he had Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez alongside him in attack.

The current United side has taken 317 shots so far this season. With 11 games still to play, they’re well on pace to surpass that total.

Ronaldo was top of the league for shots that year with 131. This season, it’s Bryan Mbeumo leading the way for United with 49, followed by Matheus Cunha with 43.

No one is saying Mbeumo and Cunha are at that level yet, but their numbers show they’re certainly not shy about getting attempts on goal.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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