JUST when you think things can’t get any worse for Manchester United, they do.
Crystal Palace’s 4-0 demolition of United on Monday has left Erik Ten Hag’s men in real danger of missing out on a European place for next season as unwanted records continue to tumble.
The loss leaves them eighth in the Premier League and out of the European places – although a victory against Man City in the FA Cup final would guarantee a Europa League spot.
And, despite having 10 first-team players out injured, Ten Hag was not pulling any punches.
“It is clear and it is obvious,” he said. “This is underperforming.
“We didn’t act how we want to do it and it’s by far not good enough.”
This is the most defeats United have suffered in a Premier League season (13).
United have never finished below seventh in Premier League, they are currently eighth.
Since the start of last season, only Nottingham Forest (five) have lost more Premier League away games by a four-goal margin or higher than United (three).
The Selhurst Park thrashing was United’s heaviest defeat of the season.
United have conceded 81 goals in all competitions this season, their most in a campaign since 1976-77 (also 81).
They have not finished a season on a minus goal difference since the 1989-90 Division One season. They are currently on -1.
United’s expected goals on Monday was 0.35 – their second worst of the season.
Ten Hag’s future as United manager has been up for debate for months – despite the Dutchman having a year left on his contract.
They have taken 10 points from the past 11 Premier League games and conceded late goals against Fulham, Brentford, Chelsea, Liverpool and Burnley in that run, costing them 10 points.
Ten Hag says he is battling against an injury crisis, the like of which he has never known throughout his managerial career, but pressure will be growing on new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to clarify Ten Hag’s situation.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has little sympathy.
He said: “This is one of the most poorly coached teams in the Premier League, that is a fact. Ten Hag needs performances, he needs a belief.
“You have to make us believe there is something there. I would expect Man Utd’s under-23 team not to lose 4-0 like that. I have been coached by some of the top coaches and a lot of what I see here is just wrong.”
Everton’s former United defender Ashley Young, added: “If they put on displays like tonight, they will miss out on Europe.
“If they aren’t willing to at least run about, they will be in trouble. It has been an up and down season, but tonight too many players were not at the right level. Palace made it look like men against boys.
“I think it is as bad as it gets.”