Manchester United fans believed the team would improve this season but the results are worse without any signs of picking up.
In 2013, Manchester United lost five games in December for the first time in 90 years, but the team have lost five again so far this month.
There is still one game left to play before we reach the new year, so the record could get worse when Newcastle United visit Old Trafford on December 30.
United losing 2-0 to Wolves on Boxing Day meant the first-team has suffered three consecutive defeats across all competitions since winning the Manchester derby. It’s a warning for those naïve enough to get excited by the odd big win when the team is lacking consistency.
United in Focus takes a look at three reasons United fans are worried about Ruben Amorim’s team right now.
Manchester United are leaking goals from set-pieces
United have conceded 18 goals from set-pieces in 2024.
It’s a worrying trend that has fans concerned because we’re losing football matches over it.
To makes matters worse, teams are not scoring directly from corners against us, with both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir falling victim to calamities in the past week.
The coaches need to work on defending set-pieces before United slip further down the Premier League table.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are not goalscorers
United do not have an experienced centre-forward with a track record for scoring goals and it is hurting the team.
That is not to be interpreted as a dig at Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee because they’re young forwards, still developing at the highest level, but that doesn’t help United in this moment in time.
Most of United’s goals have come from Bruno Fernandes and players in wide positions (Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo), but none of the squad is nearing the top scorer list.
The Reds can’t expect to compete for league titles unless they’re outscoring opponents.
Premier League position
The biggest worry for United fans right now is the team’s league position.
After finishing eight last term, the objective was to clinch a top four spot but that looks like it’s out of the equation already.
United are closer to the relegation zone than they are to qualifying for the Champions League next season.
The league position not only shows where we are in the current standings, but how far we need to go to reach the top again.
Amorim won’t solve this overnight.
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