Is this the reality Manchester United must face now? The team’s coach is now compelled to discuss the ‘fear of relegation.’ While it may sound shocking, this is the harsh truth for United at the moment. Following their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle last night, coach Ruben Amorim openly addressed the possibility of relegation.
Currently 14th in the table with 19 matches played, United is only 7 points clear of the relegation zone. If their poor form continues, the ‘Red Devils’ may soon find themselves in the danger zone.
As discussions around United’s relegation swirl, many are looking back at history. When was the last time United was relegated? The club from Old Trafford has faced relegation five times in its history, with the most recent instance being in the 1973-74 season—35 years after their 1938 relegation.
Although relegation remains a distant possibility for now, United has already broken some embarrassing records. For example, in December, United lost 6 matches—their worst monthly tally since September 1930, when they lost 7 matches. Additionally, for the first time since February 1979, United has lost three consecutive league matches at home.
Another alarming statistic looms over United. In Premier League history, four teams that ended the year in 14th place were ultimately relegated: Newcastle in 2008-09, Burnley in 2009-10, Norwich in 2013-14, and Leeds United in 2022-23. Amorim’s concerns are, therefore, far from unfounded.
It’s not just the defeats causing embarrassment; United has also been leaking goals at an alarming rate. Across all competitions, they conceded 18 goals in December alone. The last time they conceded this many goals in a single month was March 1964.
When asked after the Newcastle match if United would now have to fight to avoid relegation, Amorim admitted, “I think it’s a possibility. We have to be honest with our fans.” When questioned whether it’s embarrassing to discuss relegation as United’s coach, he responded, “I share responsibility here. The team is not improving.”
On the same night as United’s humiliating loss, Chelsea endured a similar fate. The Stamford Bridge side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ipswich Town. Just days ago, Chelsea was being touted as a threat to Liverpool, yet they have now gone three matches without a win, losing two of them. Chelsea currently sits in fourth place after this latest setback.
