32
Manchester United are enduring considered one of their most difficult seasons in latest historical past, combating defeats and a lacklustre efficiency that harks again to a number of the membership’s darker days.
Regardless of at present sitting sixth within the Premier League, they’re six factors behind treble winners Manchester Metropolis, indicating a stark distinction between their present kind and their illustrious previous.
The Crimson Devils have misplaced half of their matches this season, together with a disappointing run within the Champions League the place they conceded 15 targets within the group section.
This manner mirrors their 1973-74 season, the final time they confronted relegation.
Erik ten Hag’s staff has already equalled the full variety of losses from the earlier season, with 12 defeats in 24 video games, a worrying statistic for United followers.
Beneath Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure, United hardly ever skilled such frequent losses.
Solely 4 of Ferguson’s 26 full seasons noticed greater than 12 defeats, highlighting the severity of the present state of affairs.
Comparatively, solely three golf equipment throughout Europe’s ‘large 5’ leagues have misplaced extra video games than United this season.
United’s defensive woes are additionally a major concern. They’ve conceded three or extra targets in 38% of their matches this season, a price not seen for the reason that 1976-77 season. Offensively, they’re underperforming too, with their final Premier League purpose at Previous Trafford scored by Jadon Sancho within the earlier season.
By way of European efficiency, United’s 15 targets conceded within the Champions League are probably the most by a Premier League staff in a single group stage.
Their house kind is equally troubling, as highlighted by The Athletic’s Duncan Alexander, who identified that Harry Kane has as many assists at Previous Trafford this season as United’s captain Bruno Fernandes.
Traditionally, United’s present purpose distinction of -3 after 16 league video games is their worst for the reason that 1978-79 season. They’ve additionally misplaced 4 out of 9 house Premier League video games, a stark distinction to the primary 4 seasons underneath Ferguson.
Regardless of these challenges, historical past reveals that United’s season will not be but a misplaced trigger.
Within the inaugural Premier League season of 1992-93, after a equally gradual begin, the signing of Eric Cantona spurred the staff to victory. Followers and administration alike can be hoping for the same turnaround because the season progresses.
