As one of the world’s most famous and iconic football clubs, Manchester United is often seen as a top four contender in the English Premier League (EPL). As we are still in the early days of the 2024/2025 season, the top spot is still up for grabs. Does Man Utd have what it takes this year?
Formed in 1878 as the Newton Heath LYR railway yard team, the club began a decade before the Football League itself. The team wasn’t considered good enough to even be founding members. After some financial issues and subsequent investment by local brewery owner John Henry Davies, Manchester United was born in 1902 — and the rest, as they say, is history.
But how has the team fared during the start of the 2024 season? Is their top four contender status a sure bet?
The team’s position in the league table as of October 2024
As it stands, Manchester United is struggling to keep pace with other traditional top four competitors. The team is in 14th place with eight points after seven games, lagging significantly behind Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, who have 18, 17, 18 and 14 points respectively.
Manchester United’s eight points come from two wins out of their matches against Southampton and Fulham, two draws with one against Aston Villa and one against Crystal Palace, and three losses to Spurs, Liverpool and Brighton.
Poor form and offense struggles
The team’s current standing is largely down to Manchester United’s inability to score in critical matches. On the 1st of September, they lost 3-0 to Liverpool but bounced back in their next match with a 3-0 win against Southampton. The next few EPL matches weren’t great, however with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, a 3-0 loss against Spurs and a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa.
With the team’s Goal Difference of -3, they’re way behind the current top four of Liverpool (+11), Manchester City (+9), Arsenal (+9) and Chelsea (+8).
The impact of cup games
Elsewhere, the Manchester United squad aren’t faring too badly. They had a high-scoring draw with Porto for the UEFA Europa League and an impressive 7-0 win over Barnsley in an English Cup match. There was also a 1-1 draw against Twente. As we can see, these performances are much better. Could the European competition and cup games be distracting the team from the league matches and Premier League focus?
Fan sentiment and betting
As Manchester United’s form continues to fluctuate, the betting odds for the team to finish in the top four have been too. Initially, the team was seen as a strong contender, but since their season started, the odds have lengthened. This is clearly down to their inconsistency with disappointing draws and heavy defeats.
Many sportsbooks accepting PayPal have adjusted their lines accordingly to reflect the growing doubt among bookmakers and bettors. The team’s current standing in 14th place means confidence in the team’s ability to break into the top four is waning. Many fans and pundits are questioning whether they can turn this season around at all.
Comparison with last season and key rivals
Manchester United’s 2023/2024 season wasn’t great for the team either. Their campaign was marred by injuries, and they ended up taking eighth spot with a negative goal difference of -1. This was their worst position in over 30 years. The team finished with 60 points, having won 18 of their 38 matches, with six draws and 14 losses.
If we look again at the current season and compare how Manchester United is doing against other top teams, there are clear differences which highlight just how poor the team’s performance has been so far.
Liverpool have started the season in much better form. They’re currently leading the table with six wins from seven games. With an obviously potent attack and a well-organised defence, they’re very much dominating the field and their opponents and showing a consistency not visible in United. The 0-3 loss against Liverpool early in the season shows just how big the gap is between the two clubs, particularly in how they finish and play tactically.
Another high-performing side — and derby rival — Manchester City is also doing well and showing off their usual squad depth and discipline. This team is currently in second place with five wins. The team’s ability to control matches contrasts sharply with United’s inability to secure wins in key games.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also had stronger starts. Both these teams sit comfortably in the top four. Manchester United’s inability to capitalise on weaker opponents, like the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, has certainly lost them crucial points.
Can Manchester United still make the top four?
After their poor start to the season, finishing in the top four will be a challenge but it isn’t impossible yet; however, there’ll need to be significant adjustment. The team’s upcoming fixtures present some opportunities to recover against weaker teams like Bournemouth and Leicester City. These are must-win situations which will earn them some valuable points. However, since they only drew against Crystal Palace, nothing is guaranteed.
Erik ten Hag has also been dealing with injuries and illnesses in the squad and this has affected key positions, particularly in defence. With left backs like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia on the bench, it only leaves Diogo Dalot available with consistency.
These defensive frailties have already cost them key points and if this area doesn’t improve, they will struggle to get anywhere near the top four. They may even do worse than last year’s eighth. Rumours of a buyback of Alvaro Fernandez Carreras are even being mused.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s slow season start has put any top four ambitions in serious jeopardy. Their performances have been inconsistent at best and with injuries and defensive weaknesses, the team is finding itself far behind their rivals. However, as the season is still in its early stages, there is still time for a turnaround.
If Erik ten Hag can stabilise the squad, capitalise on upcoming fixtures and make tactical adjustments, a top four finish could still be within reach. That said, there is very little margin for error now.
