MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United added yet another unwelcome chapter to their turbulent season with a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton on Sunday. This defeat marks their 15th of the league campaign, setting a new unwanted precedent in the club’s Premier League history.
Since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, Manchester United has been a dominant force, clinching 13 titles and establishing itself as a powerhouse in English football. However, since the departure of legendary manager Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club has not lifted the league trophy, highlighting a prolonged period of decline.
Last season marked a then-record for league losses, with United suffering 14 defeats. Yet, with five matches still remaining, Ruben Amorim’s squad has already surpassed last year’s disappointing landmark.
“We have to strive for victories, get goals, and aim to secure more points,” Amorim stated. “This season is concluding in this manner, and we need to focus on the positives, addressing areas that need enhancement. The aim is to improve and perform better in the first game of next season.”
He had earlier expressed in January that this squad could potentially be considered among the worst in the club’s storied history, and the setbacks have continued. The current 15 losses are the most United has endured in a single season since being defeated 16 times in the 1989-90 campaign in England’s old Division One. According to Premier League statistician Opta, their eighth home defeat this season is the most for the club since losing nine times back in 1962-63.
In addition to mounting losses, Manchester United is destined to set its lowest-ever points total in the Premier League. The team finds itself on just 38 points following their latest setback. The lowest recorded points tally was 58 in the 2021-22 season, and even winning all remaining matches would only elevate United to 53 points this term.
The historic club, boasting 20 English championships, is also on pace for its poorest league finish in the Premier League era. Last season, under Erik ten Hag, United finished in eighth place, their lowest league conclusion in 34 years. Presently, they sit 14th, trailing eighth-placed Bournemouth by 11 points.
In an otherwise challenging season, Amorim’s side still has a glimmer of hope in the form of a Europa League triumph. Manchester United recently mounted an impressive comeback against Lyon, achieving a thrilling 5-4 aggregate win to progress to the semifinals of Europe’s secondary club competition. They now face Athletic Bilbao in the next round, where victory in the tournament offers a ticket to next season’s Champions League.