THEATRE OF NIGHTMARES

Written by: Floyd Nkanyane

Manchester United suffered another disappointing result, losing 1-0 at home to Arsenal. This defeat saw manager Erik ten Hag set two more unwanted records in his first season at the club.

 Despite starting brightly, a defensive lapse in the 20th minute allowed Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard to put the visitors 1-0 up. That goal was the 82nd United have conceded across all competitions this season, setting a new club record for most goals conceded in a single campaign in 53 years, dating back to 1970/71.

The loss was United’s 19th in 49 games so far this term, matching another undesirable record from the 1997/98 season for losses in a single season. While their nine defeats at Old Trafford this term is their joint-most at home in a season, along with 1920-21, 1930-31, 1933-34, 1962-63 and 1973-74.

With two games remaining, Ten Hag must win both to avoid overseeing United’s worst ever Premier League points tally. Their current 54 points would fall below the previous low of 58 from 2021/22 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

The Dutch manager’s position is reportedly uncertain beyond this season, with potential new owners INEOS set to review Ten Hag’s role at the end of this hugely disappointing campaign for the Red Devils.