🔗 Share this article

The Red Devils are off to a sluggish beginning this campaign, ramping up scrutiny on manager Ruben Amorim, who has secured just 25.8% of his Premier League games so far.

The club have only two victories from their last 13 top-flight matches and delivered a further disappointing performance in Sunday’s 3-0 loss to neighbours Manchester City.

Despite growing outside unease regarding Amorim, not helped by the derby defeat, club hierarchy are completely supportive the 44-year-old boss.

Moreover, insiders insist that on most statistics, United are doing stronger than last season despite occupying 14th place.

It follows after their poorest start to a season since 1992-93, with just four points from their opening quartet of games.

Underlying Statistics Reveal a Modest Improvement

A number of the team’s underlying stats do actually reveal a gradual upturn over the last half-year, but this has often been undermined by problems in attack and defence.

Since the start of March, United have scored nine fewer goals than would be expected based on the calibre of opportunities they generate.

This xG figure, excluding penalties, shows a picture of inefficient finishing, while they have conceded over three additional goals than expected—figures suggestive of unreliable goalkeeping.

Form vs Outcomes: A Worrying Disconnect

The problem is that their underlying progress is not translating to actual results.

Since 1 March, United have posted a relatively respectable non-penalty xG difference, with just seven sides performing better.

However, his side have gathered only 13 points in this spell—the joint-lowest total of any ever-present Premier League club, shared with West Ham.

Subtle Signs of Change, But Time is Short

So while there could be some subtle signs suggest Amorim is beginning to make headway, a more tangible upturn is urgently required if the manager wants to get more time at the helm.

At present, United remains in a period of change, amid numbers and results telling very different stories.