Chris Smalling admits Manchester United fans are right to be unhappy
Sunday 6 December 2015 14:54, UK
Chris Smalling admits Manchester United fans are right to voice their frustrations as the team's miserable form in front of goal continues.
United's 0-0 stalemate against West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday was their sixth scoreless draw of the season and fifth in their last nine games, prompting a chorus of boos from the home fans upon the final whistle.
Chants of "Attack! Attack" Attack!" have become synonymous with games at Old Trafford this season with Louis van Gaal's side managing just 20 goals in 15 league games.
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Central defender Smalling says the team's lack of potency up front is weighing on the players and knows Saturday's failure to beat West Ham was an opportunity missed following Manchester City's loss to Stoke earlier in the day.
"Today was a massive frustration for us and it's so disappointing when you dominate a game," the United defender told MUTV after the game.
"The fans are in their right to show their frustration and we are just as frustrated.
"In the changing room, everyone is down because it is an opportunity missed. We are in a good position in the league, but it could have been boosted."
Last season United managed just 62 goals, which was their second-lowest total in the Premier League era, behind only the 2004/05 season which yielded 58 goals.
Van Gaal's side are on course to shatter that low mark this season as their current rate has them on pace to score just 51 goals.
During Sir Alex Ferguson's 21 Premier League seasons in charge - when he won 13 titles - the team averaged 77 goals per season with a high of 97 in 1999/00.
Despite United's struggles, Smalling remains confident the team have the quality within the squad to turn their attacking fortunes around.
"It's not that we are not creating the chances," Smalling added. "In the second half, we had quite a few opportunities in and around their six-yard box and we could have easily had a few goals.
"If we keep creating chances, we are confident sooner rather than later they will go in.
"On another day, we would have punished them, but when you dominate like we did, we should be taking the three points."
