Manchester United’s on-field woes have already hit startling depths this season, especially at the helm of new man Ruben Amorim. Since taking charge, he has presided over the club’s worst defensive record since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure over a decade ago. As one of the team’s captains put it, the team can’t catch its groove. Consequently, demoralizing stats paint the picture of a club that has gone off the rails.
Amorim’s side has been behind the first goal scored in a game played at Old Trafford every single time, conceding 12 goals this season. That statistic sets a new low in Premier League history and points to a more concerning trend for the side. Now, fans and analysts alike are scratching their heads at the club’s overall lack of direction. The cumulative effect of these challenges has caused it to repeatedly flounder with bad form and performance.
Leaky Defense and Lack of Goals
Since Amorim’s appointment, Manchester United have become the league’s most leaky side. Despite the slowdown at the offensive end, they’re still allowing over 1.6 goals per game on average. This defensive vulnerability has made games the equivalent of an uphill climb, frequently finding the team having to come back from down a goal or two. Those statistics shouldn’t come as a surprise considering how often United has failed to score in 14 Premier League matches this season. Only Southampton, Everton and Leicester have blanked more often than United.
The offensive struggles have been equally concerning. But under Amorim’s management, United has played 25 league matches and has mustered only 30 goals. Most notably, this total is over eight goals under what statistical analysis would have predicted. This up and down scoring pattern has put the team at a disadvantage when it comes to matching up with their opponents on the field.
Disappointing Performance Against Top Teams
Their record against top-half opposition this season is as grim a stat as it gets. The team has managed just two wins in 18 games against ranked opposition. This history indicates they tend to fail to step up when challenged by stouter competition. As Amorim continues to work on restoring confidence within the squad, he is under increasing pressure. The inability to score points against these teams has only made the situation more daunting.
In addition, the team’s win-loss record against teams ranked significantly lower is also horrifying. That’s what makes their seven losses to bottom-half teams in 18 games so puzzling. This alarming trend is most indicative of a lack of initiative and drive, something that should worry both fans and club executives. These poor results have left Manchester United joint bottom of the Premier League table. They are now in the company of downsized squads such as Southampton and Ipswich.
A Dismal Record Under Amorim
Amorim’s stint as manager of Manchester United would start off on a high note. After all, he’d already guided Sporting to a dream start in 2013. The proof of that came in the form of six wins and three draws in his last 11 games there, making him one of modern football’s most coveted managers. His current record paints an entirely different picture. That’s the reality under his guidance, as United has been listless, failing to score in 10 of their 25 league games.
Manchester United haven’t won since March 16 – their last win was at home, same size Leicester City. This victory highlights yet another arid stretch, with supporters left hopeful, disappointed and frustrated. Even if they win their last two matches of the season, it will not matter all that much. They can’t possibly place higher than 13th, which demonstrates just how bad their situation truly is.
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