KI 11ER BLOWS

Published date05 March 2024
Publication titleDaily Star (England)
Although United shut Manchester City out for 56 minutes, they were eventually overwhelmed, the gulf in class between the local rivals underlined as Pep Guardiola's side dominated the second half

United have lost 11 games, one short of their highest number of defeats in the Premier League era, which they racked up in 2013-14 and 2021-22.

Given they have to face Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as navigating tricky trips to Brentford, Chelsea, Bournemouth and Brighton, more than 12 defeats is almost a given, with United's inconsistency.

Another humiliating record United are in danger of setting this season is their worst goal difference for 34 years.

United's goal difference is minus two - the last time they posted a negative goal difference was in 1989-90, when it was minus one.

Ten Hag's side have scored just 37 goals, the same as Luton, and fewer than West Ham, Newcastle, Brighton, Wolves, Chelsea and Fulham.

For a club that prides itself on playing exciting, attacking football it is a damning betrayal of United's rich heritage.

Against that backdrop, it seems increasingly likely Ten Hag will go this summer, with new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team already making major changes behind the scenes.

United legend Paul Scholes thinks Ten Hag is on his way out, with INEOS keen to appoint their own man to take the club forward into a new era.

"I think they've already made their mind up," said Scholes. "I don't think he will be there next season.

"From the interviews we've heard with Sir Jim, I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. I don't think he's happy with...

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