Premier League 2026/27: Data paints a worrying picture for Manchester United

Manchester United's underwhelming start to the 2026/27 Premier League season has quickly cranked up the pressure on manager Michael Carrick. After guiding the Red Devils to a third-placed finish last term, Carrick was handed the managerial role permanently.

However, things have not gone to plan, with United winning just one of their first six league fixtures. The match stats paint a troubling picture for fans.

With that in mind, read on as we take a deeper dive into United's struggles, before assessing whether they can start living up to expectations. Points per game tally is concerning United have collected just six points from their first six league games this season.

Extrapolated over a full season, that equates to just 38 points. Given that West Ham United were relegated with 39 points at the end of last season, United's current points tally is worrying.

The Red Devils picked up just 42 points in 2024/25 (1.11 per game), so it is not unreasonable to be concerned about their current form. Delving further into the statistics highlights how far United have fallen since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012/13 campaign.

United collected 89 points (2.34 per game) to win the title that season. That achievement has become a distant memory.

The 2017/18 campaign was the only time since then that they have garnered more than two points per game (2.13). They finished second on that occasion.

Atletico defeat highlights United's issues United's struggles continued in the Champions League in midweek as they slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid in Spain. Atletico took the lead through Pablo Barrios after just 47 seconds.

The ease with which their defence was breached was hugely concerning. United were second-best throughout the contest, but still created chances to equalise before Ademola Lookman sealed the win with ten minutes remaining.