“Can Manchester United score? They always score.”

Clive Tyldesley’s famous commentary just before Teddy Sheringham equalised for United in the 1999 European Cup final win against Bayern Munich was almost certainly based on feeling rather than statistical analysis.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s United had many qualities but one of them was that no matter whom they were playing, no matter the way the game was going, they would almost always look like they were capable of scoring.

The 3-2 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion highlighted many faults in José Mourinho’s United side and has raised questions about the spirit and defensive abilities of the team. But, in today’s column we take a look at another issue: a lack of creativity and attacking plan.

Why, when