The fact that Manchester United have had a torrid start to their season is plain to see. Languishing in 6th place, with 20 points, after 13 games, this not only is a horrid start, it is also United’s worst start in the history of the Premier League.
Also read: Stats: Manchester United's possible final league standing
The last time United started a season this badly was before the inception of the Premier League, in the 1990/1991 season, when they also had 20 points from 13 games, but that included a one-point deduction, following a brawl with Arsenal.
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The irony
What makes United’s slow start even more uncharacteristic is the fact that Jose Mourinho has been traditionally known to have an instant impact at all his clubs. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many believed Mourinho would be the right man to help United reclaim their lost glory.
Stats don’t lie
Moreover, United’s performances and results in the post-Ferguson era, have been largely underwhelming; and a closer look at Mourinho’s stats at this stage of the season reveal that he is in fact, faring worse than both his predecessors David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal. While Moyes had 22 points after 13 games in charge, Van Gaal had 22 and 27 points respectively, during his two seasons at the helm.
Home is no longer where the heart is
A large part of United’s struggles can be traced down to their problems of winning games at home, despite dominating them. Gone are the days when Old Trafford used to be a fortress. Nowadays, winning at Old Trafford is so difficult, that United themselves can’t find a way to win there!
The Red Devils have drawn each of their last four league games at home and have not won a league game at home since beating defending champions Leicester City on September 24th.
The implications
Not only do United already find themselves 11 points behind current league leaders Chelsea, they’re also 8 behind Arsenal in fourth spot, not only to reach the Champions League, but also to avoid losing more than 20 million pounds on their deal with Adidas.
Moreover, given the amount of money United have spent this season (let alone the last three) with the additions of Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan expectations were always going to be sky high.
However, the Red Devils have clearly started off on the wrong note, by setting an unwanted club record for the worst Premier League start.
A much-needed distraction
For all their problems at home in the Premier League, United have looked like a completely different side while playing at Old Trafford in the Europa League and EFL Cup. That was evident when they hosted West Ham in the quarterfinals of the EFL Cup last night, a game they ended up winning by four goals to one thanks to braces from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Anthony Martial.
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