Man Utd have dropped from 14th to 16th since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November 2024 "Embarrassed." That was the word used by Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim to describe how he feels about his side's current position in the Premier League. Languishing in 16th and on their joint-worst winless run of seven games following a2-0 home defeat by West Ham, it begs the question just how much worse can things get for United? Under the Portuguese, it has been a league season to forget. After being appointed in November following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Amorim's United will go into the history books for all the wrong sort of records. BBC Sport takes a look at the stats behind Amorim's tenure. Manchester United were already on a downward trajectory when Amorim took over from Ten Hag last year. The Red Devils sat 14th in the Premier League with three wins from their opening nine matches. Things were bad, but they got worse. While a new manager can often bring struggling teams a turn in fortunes or a so-called 'new manager bounce', no such thing has happened at United and instead their dour form has intensified under Amorim. They have accrued 24 points from 25 league games, dropped to 16th and their win record sits at an uncomfortably low 24%. Against the 16 non-relegated teams this season they have picked up just 23 points from a possible 87. If results against the three relegated teams were removed from the Premier League, United would sit rock bottom. Since 26 January, Amorim's side have only beaten relegated duo Ipswich and Leicester in the league. On the basis of three points for a win, they are heading for their worst tally since their 1930-31 relegation campaign, when they would have collected 29 points in a 42-game campaign. Premier League table since Amorim's first match in charge on 23 November At home their record has been particularly damaging. With nine home Premier League defeats they have suffered their joint-most losses in a single league campaign at Old Trafford, along with 1930-31, 1933-34 and 1962-63. Their 17 league defeats overall are their most in a league campaign since 1973-74 (20), when they were relegated to the second tier. They have fallen behind in 19 out of their 25 league games (W3 D3 L13) - only Southampton (21) and Leicester (23) have trailed in more matches - with United going 1-0 down 12 times at Old Trafford. Only Leicester have done so more (15). Amorim's first match in charge came on 23 November 2024 and since then their record has continued to disappoint: Amorim's win record of 24% is worse than any United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, with David Moyes' 50% the second-worst. United have won just six of their 25 league matches, drawing six and losing 13. In that time they have conceded 41 goals, with only the three relegated sides and Tottenham conceding more. United have conceded 1.6 goals per game under Amorim and kept just four clean sheets. They also have the sixth-worst record in the league in front of goal, failing to score in 10 of their 25 league games and finding the net 30 times. Of the 344 shots they have had, 107 have been on target but their 30-goal yield leaves them with a conversion rate of 8.7, worse only than Leicester City and Southampton. That makes them the second biggest underperformers relative to their xG, after Crystal Palace. Manchester United's European campaign has provided some respite from their dire league effort, with Amorim's unbeaten side facing Tottenham in the Europa League final on 21 May. If they win that they will be granted a place in next year's Champions League. But following defeat by West Ham, Amorim himself indicated concern over how they would fare in Europe's top competition, given their abject form and the increased calibre of opposition. "I don't know what is best, if it's playing in the Champions League or not," he said. This video can not be played Murphy criticises Amorim 'negativity' More games feels counterproductive for Amorim at this stage and he and his players have argued their league form is suffering for an increased focus on the Europa League. In their past seven matches United have earned two points which, had the league started seven games ago, would leave them inside the drop zone with Southampton and Ipswich. And things are unlikely to get better any time soon. Even if United were to win their final two matches - against Chelsea and Aston Villa - they can finish no higher than 13th. That's five places worse off than their previous lowest finish in the Premier League - eighth in 2023-24. Their lowest-ever points tally for a Premier League campaign is 58 in 2021-22. United are now guaranteed to reduce that record by at least 13 points. A European trophy would certainly give the fans something to cheer about but ultimately Amorim has been unable to turn the tide on United's league campaign this season and whether he is the man for the job remains up for debate.
How bad have Amorim's United been in the league?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Manchester United Struggles Under Ruben Amorim, Facing Historic Low in Premier League"
Bbc News
6.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Manchester United's performance in the Premier League has drastically declined since Ruben Amorim took over as manager in November 2024. After a disappointing start under Erik ten Hag, where the team was already positioned at 14th, Amorim's appointment has not brought about the anticipated turnaround. Instead, United has fallen to 16th place, currently enduring a winless streak of seven matches following a recent 2-0 defeat to West Ham. The club's statistics under Amorim are alarming, with only 24 points accrued from 25 league games and a win rate of just 24%. This places them in a precarious position, as they have performed poorly against teams outside the relegation zone, securing only 23 points from a possible 87. Their home record is particularly troubling, with nine defeats at Old Trafford, matching the club's worst tally in a single league season, reminiscent of the 1930-31 campaign when they were relegated. The team's overall performance has led to concerns about their ability to avoid relegation, with their current trajectory suggesting they might achieve their lowest points total in Premier League history.
Amorim's tenure has seen the team struggle defensively and offensively, conceding 41 goals and failing to score in 10 of their 25 league matches. They have also faced difficulties in converting scoring opportunities, with a conversion rate of just 8.7%, ranking them among the league's lowest. Despite these challenges in the league, there is a glimmer of hope for the team in European competition, as they have reached the Europa League final against Tottenham. A victory in that match could secure a place in next year's Champions League, providing some much-needed respite from their domestic woes. However, Amorim himself has expressed uncertainty about the benefits of competing in the Champions League given their current form. With only two matches left in the league against Chelsea and Aston Villa, even a couple of victories would not significantly improve their standing, reinforcing doubts about Amorim's future at the helm of Manchester United as they face an uncertain path ahead.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the disappointing performance of Manchester United under the management of Ruben Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag. It emphasizes the team's low ranking in the Premier League and the absence of a positive turnaround that often accompanies a new manager's arrival.
Performance Analysis
The text details Manchester United's fall from 14th to 16th place, highlighting the severity of their winless streak and poor points accumulation. With only 24 points from 25 league games, the statistics paint a grim picture of the team's performance. The mention of historical comparisons, such as the potential worst tally since the 1930-31 season, serves to underscore the gravity of the situation.
Public Perception
By using strong language like "embarrassed," the article aims to evoke a sense of urgency and dissatisfaction among supporters and the general public regarding the team's performance. This choice of words suggests a deliberate attempt to influence the fans' perception of Amorim's capabilities and the club's direction.
Hidden Agendas
While the piece focuses on the team's struggles, it may also serve to distract from broader issues within the club, such as management decisions, player performance, or financial investments. By concentrating on Amorim's shortcomings, other potential controversies or criticisms may be overshadowed.
Manipulative Aspects
There is an evident level of manipulation in the article, primarily through its use of statistics that emphasize failure rather than providing a balanced view of the team's potential for improvement. The language and focus on negative outcomes can create a narrative that could lead to increased pressure on the management and players.
Comparative Context
When compared to other sports news, this article fits within a broader discourse of accountability in football, particularly for high-profile clubs. The performance of Manchester United has significant implications, potentially drawing comparisons with their rivals and affecting overall league dynamics.
Impact on Stakeholders
This negative portrayal can have various repercussions, including influencing fan sentiment, affecting ticket sales, and potentially impacting sponsorship deals. Stakeholders within the football community, including investors and supporters, may respond adversely to the ongoing poor performance.
Community Reception
The article likely resonates more with passionate football fans and Manchester United supporters who are frustrated with the current trajectory. It targets a demographic that values success and historical legacy, tapping into their emotional investment in the club.
Financial Implications
In terms of market impact, the performance of a team like Manchester United can sway stock prices, especially if the club is publicly traded. Fans and investors often monitor such news closely, as it can affect the club's financial health and future prospects.
Global Relevance
Although the article primarily focuses on a specific football club, the underlying themes of management failure and public scrutiny are relevant in many sectors. The ongoing narrative surrounding Manchester United mirrors broader discussions about leadership accountability in various industries.
AI Involvement
There is a possibility that AI tools were used in the writing process, especially in data gathering and statistical presentation. Such tools might have influenced the structure of the article and the emphasis on particular statistics to draw attention to the team's failures.
In conclusion, the article combines factual reporting with a tone that reflects a critical stance toward Manchester United's current management and performance. While it is based on real statistics and observations, the framing and language choices contribute to a narrative that may aim to amplify public sentiment against the current state of the team.