Memphis Depay has looked sterling in one Champions League contest, against Club Brugge last week when he fired in a double and assisted on a third, but has yet to strike in the Premier League.
That puts him in company with pretty much everyone among Manchester United's attacking corps, with the team sitting at just two goals from three matches now after Saturday's goalless draw with Newcastle. And one of those came courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur's Kyle Walker.
Depay led the Dutch Eredivisie last season with 22 goals and the talented 21-year-old admits he has felt “frustration” adapting to England so far.
“I could have finished a couple of chances but I didn’t and I have to work on that,” he said.
Depay rounded Newcastle keeper Tim Krul on one occasion when put through but failed to score.
The Dutchman said he and his teammates have to be more ruthless.
“It was a frustrating afternoon.
“We started great and sharp and we created some chances but didn’t finish them. The second half also we created some more chances but again we didn’t finish it so that was the frustration.
“When you look back you have to say it was one of those days but we have to start finishing.”
Among United’s near-misses, Juan Mata ballooned a volley into the Stretford End in the second half and Chris Smalling’s header struck a post in the dying minutes.
The misfiring Wayne Rooney also played his 10th straight club match without a goal, after a tight offside call discounted a first-half score.
Rooney also tested Krul from 25 yards shortly after his disallowed goal, but did little else to suggest he was going to break his duck for the season.
Smalling, though, believes Rooney and his teammates did not have the rub of the green against Newcastle and is sure the captain is not suffering from a crisis of confidence.
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“No, I think if you see in his play, he is running in behind and he is giving himself opportunities.
“I think we probably had double figures in terms of chances, not just to Wayne but for the whole team.
“It’s just a case of one of those falling in, but the majority of the team is getting those opportunities so if we keep creating those chances, they will come eventually.”
Despite his troubles in the box, Rooney is having a big influence in other areas – most notably in helping Depay find his feet at Old Trafford following his move from PSV Eindhoven.
“Wayne Rooney helps me a lot,” Depay said.
“He has a lot of experience. He already knows everything about the football world so if I have any questions I can ask him.”
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