Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright blends statistics with opinion to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. In this season‑opening edition we focus on three key points: - Manchester United’s persistent difficulty defending corners - Ethan Ampadu’s increasingly potent long throws - A player to keep an eye on this weekend Michael Carrick bristled when pundits suggested United’s 2‑1 loss to Hull City was simply a lack of passion. He reminded everyone that both Hull goals originated from set‑pieces, underlining a problem that has haunted the Red Devils for months. Defending dead balls has become a recurring weakness for United, and the latest defeat adds another chapter to that narrative.
Hull’s opening goal came when Semi Ajayi reacted quickest to a rebound, slotting the ball home from close range. That strike marked United’s twelfth corner concession since the start of the 2022‑23 campaign – a tally that puts them level with Leeds for the highest total among current Premier League clubs over that period. Ajayi’s effort was quickly followed by a second Hull goal, a free‑kick expertly struck by Nobel Mendy. In the final two months of last season United also surrendered corner goals against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Brentford and Nottingham Forest.
Those previous set‑piece blunders did not cost United points; they won each of those matches and secured a third‑place finish. Yet when you replay the footage, the ease with which opponents found space inside United’s box is alarming. In the Ajayi goal, for example, Harry Maguire appeared to block his own teammate Noussair Mazraoui, creating a gap that allowed the defender to slip through. Similar lapses were evident when Maxence Lacroix, Ross Barkley and Morato scored unchallenged for Palace, Villa and Forest respectively.
Hull’s head coach Sergej Jakirovic noted United’s frailty in his post‑match press conference, explaining that he and his video analyst had prepared specific routines to exploit the Red Devils’ corner vulnerability. The coaching staff’s tactical planning paid off, and the result was a stark reminder that United’s defensive organization remains porous when the ball is delivered from the wings. Carrick can point to some defensive improvement since taking over in January.
United conceded 31 goals in 21 league games before his arrival last season, but have allowed just 20 in 18 matches under his stewardship. However, the club now ranks third in the league for the proportion of goals conceded from set‑pieces since Carrick’s first match in charge – a statistic that highlights how far the issue persists. On the offensive side United have been far more effective.
Their 26 set‑piece goals last term were the second‑highest total in the Premier League, trailing only champions Arsenal. This duality – scoring plenty from dead balls while also conceding many – creates a paradox that manager Erik ten Hag must resolve if United hope to compete for titles.
If United cannot tighten up at the back, the next test arrives on Sunday when Ipswich Town travel to Old Trafford. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and Ipswich will be eager to replicate Hull’s success by targeting United’s corner weakness. Switching focus to Leeds United, the club secured a significant coup in the summer by extending Ethan Ampadu’s contract through 2030. The 22‑year‑old captain has thrived under Daniel Farke, earning praise as a leader and as a versatile No 6 who can orchestrate play deep‑lying while also breaking up opposition attacks.
Yet perhaps his most valuable weapon is his long throw, a set‑piece tool that has become increasingly lethal. Since the start of the 2022‑23 season Ampadu has delivered 139 long throws into the opposition box, second only to Michael Kayode. In terms of shots generated from those throws he is tied with Kayode at five, and he also matches Kayode’s goal tally from long throws. In the recent Carabao Cup victory over Nottingham Forest, Ampadu’s throw—though not his best—looped toward the near post, was mishandled by Forest defenders, and ultimately resulted in a James Justin finish.
Ampadu celebrated by turning to the home crowd, who had previously mocked his technique. Ampadu admits he faced criticism early on: "I got battered a little bit by Leeds fans, saying it wasn't actually that long, which was true, sometimes it's not great. But it's getting longer," he said in February. His teammate Brenden Aaronson later observed that Ampadu’s throws had improved dramatically after pre‑season sessions, noting they were now "about 20 yards further and 20 yards harder." While Aaronson’s comment was hyperbolic, the data backs up the claim.
Ampadu’s average throw distance has risen from roughly 28 metres in February to about 32 metres now, putting him on par with specialist Kayode. Leeds will hope to capitalize on this trend as long throws continue to shape tactical approaches across the league. The opening round of fixtures featured 33 long throws, mirroring last season’s average of 3.9 per game.
Fans can expect even more of these aerial weapons at Elland Road on Sunday. Elsewhere in the weekend’s action, Gonzalo García, Fulham’s £34 million acquisition from Real Madrid, followed a poacher’s finish against Chelsea with a brilliant solo strike in the Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon. He will look to trouble Sunderland when Fulham play them on Sunday. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League matches this weekend, starting with Crystal Palace versus Manchester City on Friday night.
Saturday’s slate includes Tottenham hosting Newcastle, while Sunday offers a packed schedule: Chelsea versus Brighton, Leeds versus Brentford, and Sunderland versus Fulham, all live on Sky Sports+. Manchester United close the weekend with their clash against Ipswich at Old Trafford.
Finally, the season’s first Monday Night Football fixture pits Aston Villa against Arsenal at Villa Park on August 31. For those seeking extra excitement, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available now.