Manchester United: 5 Brutal Stats that Sum up Red Devils' Season

• Manchester United hit a new low on Thursday after a Premier League defeat to Chelsea
• The Red Devils’ chances of qualifying for Europe next season have slimmed significantly
• A number of unwanted stats and records sum up how Erik ten Hag’s side has performed this season

Manchester United were handed another reality check on Thursday, April 4, after succumbing to a surprise defeat to Chelsea in a game which they were seconds away from collecting all three points.

Erik ten Hag’s swayed on the wrong side of history once again as they ended up conceding the latest goal in the Premier League this season, and possibly in history, as Chelsea came from 3-2 down to claim a famous 4-3 win with mere seconds to go.

The only good thing that came out of that game from a Manchester United fan’s perspective was the fact that that encounter was a classic advertisement for the fierce rivalry that is enjoyed in the Premier League each season.

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Otherwise, it was a miserable evening all around, for Ten Hag’s team, but interestingly, this is not the first time the Red Devils have hit lows in the 2023/24 campaign.

Sports Brief takes a look at just how bad things have been for United using brutal stats they have accrued after 30 matches this season.

1. Negative goal difference

This is as torrid as it is embarrassing for Manchester United.

After 30 games, the 2013 Premier League champions have somehow conceded more goals than they have scored this season, as they have a goal difference of -1.

To put things to perspective, Newcastle United (GD12), Brighton (GD5) and Chelsea (GD3) are below sixth-placed United on the log with a better goal difference.

2. Most shots faced this season

The fact that Andre Onana has conceded 44 goals in 30 games seems to have given rivals some encouragement to shoot against Manchester United.

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According to Opta, United have faced an alarming 526 shots in the Premier League this season, which is more than they have in the last 20 seasons.

3. Dropping points to late goals

The term ‘Fergie time’ was coined to represent the late goals which Manchester United used to score in the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

It seems, however, that the script has been flipped this season, and it us United who have fallen victim to late goals.

The game against Chelsea was the third time this season precious points have been dropped thanks to late goals.

In September 2023, United lost to Arsenal courtesy of two late goals by Declan Rice (90+6) and Gabriel Jesus (90+11)

Four months later, on February 24, United were meandering towards a 1-1 draw against Fulham, when Alex Iwobi struck in the seventh minute of added time to stun Old Trafford.

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As a side note, Brentford also claimed a crucial point on Saturday, March 30, after Kristoffer Ajer found the net nine minutes into stoppage time.

4. An alarming number of defeats

In 42 matches played this season, United have lost 17 of them.

The last time they lost more matches in a campaign was before any member of the current squad was born, in 1977-78.

Twelve of those defeats have come in the Premier League, meaning Ten Hag has already equaled the club’ss record for most league losses in a single campaign, set in the 2013/14 season and equaled again in 2021/22.

5. Off the mark in race for Europe

With 48 points from 30 games, the best position Manchester United can finish this season is fourth.

However, that in itself will take a miracle as the Red Devils sit nine points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place

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Aston Villa, who occupy the last Champions League place as of April 5, have shown intent this season, and they are unlikely to suffer a dramatic late-season collapse.

Suppose Unai Emery’s side loses focus and suffers three defeats between now and the end of the season. Even then, United would still have to be flawless in their remaining games to make up ground in the race for Europe, and this is only possible if Tottenham also endure a losing streak.

In other words, United will almost certainly not be in the Champions League next season.