Manchester United have started the 2023/24 season poorly. Just two wins from the first five games and a trip to Bayern Munich to follow on Wednesday night, it could easily get worse before it gets any better.
Manchester United were well beaten (3-1) by Brighton at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday. Our third defeat of the season and we’re only five matches in.
It goes without saying that the high standards set by Sir Alex Ferguson are a thing of the past at United. Erik ten Hag is trying to set to the record straight and it must be difficult with the ongoing uncertainty that surroundings the Glazer ownership, as Alan Shearer touched told Match of the Day on Saturday night.
However, a stat is doing the rounds that makes for pretty damning reading.
According to Opta Joe, United have lost at least three of their opening five matches in a Premier League campaign for the first time.
3 – Manchester United have lost at least three of their opening five matches in a Premier League campaign for the first time. Unsettled. pic.twitter.com/v834b1Q0xN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 16, 2023
This proves how unsettled we’ve been as a team this season. Not just in defence, but in midfield as Casemiro thus far seems incapable of carrying out the same duties he did last season.
It remains to be seen if United can get back on track, but surely with an away trip to Burnley up next in the league, Ten Hag can finally settle his troops and embark on a winning run so that we can begin to climb up the table.
We don’t want to be left behind, do we?
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“Don’t want to be left behind.” Surely said tongue-in-cheek as we’re down among the dead men as far as the League table goes. I already feel top four is best we can hope for this season. Not that I’m keen to see this lot in action against Europe’s elite, but if we make top 4 it’ll be because there’s been a marked improvement, so, next season…..
( And how long have we been saying “next season” ? )