Manchester United, one of the most storied clubs in football history, currently find themselves in uncharted territory in the English Premier League. The Red Devils reside in 13th place in the standings with just 23 points from 20 matches, leaving them a mere seven points above the relegation zone over halfway into the campaign.
Their precarious position in the league has sparked whispers about the unthinkable: could Manchester United face the prospect of a shock relegation for the first time since 1973/74?
Cause for concern
Man United’s performances throughout the season have been alarming, including a miserable start to the campaign that saw Erik ten Hag sacked and Ruben Amorim hired as his replacement.
However, the Portuguese boss has struggled to have the desired impact in his first matches in charge, particularly in recent weeks, with Man United now without a victory in their last five matches across all competitions.
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Goals have dried up, with the team failing to score in three successive matches in that period, while defensive lapses have been frequent, conceding a massive 13 goals in those five outings. The lack of cohesion, evident confusion regarding the new system and repeated errors have turned even winnable fixtures into uphill battles.
Adding to their woes is the relentless pace of the Premier League, with new boss Amorim often complaining that he has had limited time on the training ground to work with his side due to having to play every few days.
Are they ‘too big to go down’?
For many, the idea of gargantuan Manchester United being relegation contenders feels unfathomable: Surely a team of that global scale could not be relegated!
However, history provides cautionary tales, with clubs like Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and previous champions Leicester City all enduring relegation despite often being considered ‘too big to go down’. These sides all suffered from a mix of poor form, managerial changes and squad imbalances, worryingly all issues that Man United are currently grappling with.
The answer to this question is simple: no team is too big to go down if things are not going their way.
Reasons For Optimism
Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the Red Devils throughout this season, there are plenty of reasons to believe that Man United will steer plenty clear of the relegation zone by the end of the season.
The pedigree throughout their squad is undeniable, especially in comparison to those currently involved in the relegation zone, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo and many more all far too talented to be involved in the battle against the drop.
While the results, and often the performances, have been concerning, there have been signs of clear improvement and things to build upon since Amorim has arrived. Most recently, Man United secured a 2-2 draw away to Liverpool at Anfield in a game where the Red Devils could have easily won had Harry Maguire converted his 97th-minute chance.
Additionally, the fixture list has allowed for Amorim to get more time on the training ground with his side in recent weeks, a factor that could see the side produce much better performances as they become more accustomed to the Portuguese manager’s system.
The prospect of signings in the January transfer window could also help improve Man United’s fortunes, with recent rumours suggesting the club are targeting reinforcements at striker, left wing-back and in midfield, all of which could address key weaknesses and prove a much-needed boost.
So, are they genuine relegation contenders?
The answer, for now, lies somewhere in the middle.
While their current form and league position are undeniably causes for concern, the quality within the squad and the potential addition of strength in the January window suggest that a full-blown relegation battle remains unlikely.
If they can build upon the recent performance and result against Liverpool, then the Red Devils will fly up the table and finish the season miles clear of the dreaded drop zone. But if they fail to improve, then Old Trafford will have to brace itself for what could be a defining moment in the club’s modern history.
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