Manchester United’s Historic Crisis: Why This Could Be Their Worst Premier League Season Ever – Winbdt Analysis

The Alarming Decline of a Football Giant

Manchester United, once the dominant force of English football, are teetering on the edge of their worst Premier League campaign in history. Under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils are currently languishing in eighth place, with a real risk of finishing below even David Moyes’ infamous 2013/14 season. With tough fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle, and Brighton remaining, Winbdt delves deep into the tactical flaws, defensive disasters, and systemic failures plaguing Old Trafford.

Defensive Disarray: A Record-Breaking Liability

Ashley Young didn’t mince words after United’s humiliation at Selhurst Park, labeling their defending as “shambolic.” The numbers back him up:

• 55 goals conceded in 35 league games—on track to surpass their worst-ever Premier League defensive record.
• Eight matches where they’ve shipped three or more goals.
• 317 shots faced in 2024 alone, the highest in the league.

Jamie Carragher, a vocal critic of Ten Hag’s setup, highlighted the bizarre hybrid system: “They press high but defend deep—it’s a tactical mess.” Injuries have played a part, but the lack of a coherent defensive structure is undeniable.

The Ten Hag Paradox: Big Spending, Worse Results

Despite a £410m transfer war chest, Ten Hag’s side has regressed. Compare that to Moyes, who was sacked after just 10 months with far less backing. The damning stats:

• 13 Premier League losses, the most in the club’s PL history.
• 18 defeats across all competitions, a nadir since 1977/78.
• Negative goal difference (-3), unheard of for a top-half side.

Attack Misfiring: Where Has the Flair Gone?

Ten Hag famously promised “dominant, entertaining football,” but reality has been starkly different:

• 52 goals scored—just three more than Louis van Gaal’s dire 2015/16 campaign.
• Bottom of their Champions League group, throwing away leads against Galatasaray and Copenhagen.
• Lowest average possession since Opta records began.

Former United striker Michael Owen noted: “They lack identity—no pressing intensity, no controlled buildup. It’s reactive football at its worst.”

The FA Cup: Ten Hag’s Last Hope?

A silver lining exists in the form of the FA Cup final against Manchester City. But with Pep Guardiola’s machine in full flow, optimism is scarce. As Winbdt tactical expert Paul Wilson argues: “Unless Ten Hag pulls off a miracle at Wembley, his tenure may be remembered for all the wrong reasons.”

Final Verdict: A Club in Crisis

Manchester United’s 2023/24 season is a perfect storm of poor recruitment, incoherent tactics, and individual collapses. Unless they rally in their final games, Ten Hag risks overseeing the darkest chapter in the club’s modern history.

What’s your take? Can Ten Hag turn it around, or is a rebuild needed? Share your thoughts with Winbdt below!

Data doesn’t lie—United’s metrics are alarmingly poor across the board.