Manchester United sink to new lows: The numbers behind historically bad Premier League form
The 2022/23 season got off to the worst possible start for Manchester United.
Despite the arrival of new coach Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils have not shown any signs of improvement after a disappointing 2021-22 season.
Man United have opened their season with back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Brentford – the first time they have been defeated in their opening league games since 1992.
The Red Devils have conceded six goals in those two games, with their only goal coming from an own goal.
Saturday’s 4-0 defeat by Brentford marked a new low for the side and the numbers show just how far they’ve fallen.
Manchester United are bottom of the Premier League
For the first time since August 21, 1992, Manchester United finished bottom of the Premier League table on August 13, 2022.
Despite playing a game more than many clubs, the Red Devils slipped to the bottom of the table with a goal difference of minus five.
For the club with the most Premier League titles in history, last place is not a place the club would want to stay for long.
Ten Hag hopes Liverpool can beat Crystal Palace by at least four goals on Monday to ensure Man United don’t remain bottom until at least Matchday 3.
Manchester United’s away troubles continue
Brentford handed Manchester United their seventh consecutive league defeat – the first time they have lost that many in a row since 1936.
In that last run they lost to Manchester City, Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal, Brighton, Crystal Palace and the Bees.
The Red Devils’ last away win in the Premier League now dates back to February 2022 when they beat Leeds 4-2.
United’s next away game will be against Southampton on August 27, with more undesirable history looming should they lose again.
Ten Hag has had his worst start as Man United manager in over 100 years
After finding success with Ajax, Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford knowing he had to turn the Red Devils around.
Based on the first two games this season, a change of form seems a long way off as Ten Hag is now the first Manchester United manager since 1921 to lose his first two games in charge.
John Chapman was the last to begin such a losing streak in his debut season when the Red Devils were later relegated from the top flight.
Erik’s reaction after the game. #MUFC || #BREMUN
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2022
When was Manchester United last relegated?
With United at an all-time low, some might be wondering when the Red Devils were last relegated from the Premier League.
The answer is 1974, when they finished the 1973/74 season second to bottom with 20 league losses.
However, Manchester United have never been relegated in the Premier League era, their worst season coming in 2013/14 when they finished seventh.
Prior to this season, the Red Devils had never finished a season in the Premier League lower than third place.