Manchester United’s worst season start in 40 years

Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on October 26 marked the worst start to a Premier League season in 40 years. Fans booed the entire hierarchy, from the manager to the players, after the defeat. The club is facing its greatest crisis in history, with the entire first-team set-up and those who recruited them under scrutiny. Fans have made it clear they are not prepared to take any more from the top to the bottom of the team.

The club’s failure to sign a left-back in the summer has been a major issue, and the lack of depth in that position has led to criticism from defender Lisandro Martinez. The failure to reinforce their options in attack has also been a major disappointment, with the club’s big-money signing of Benjamin Sesko failing to deliver. The club’s top scorer, Mbeumo, has only four goals in the Premier League this season, while eight other players have outscored him.

The Glazer family’s ownership since 2005 has been a source of controversy, and the club’s signings in the last 13 years have been nothing short of disastrous. Former CEO Ed Woodward faced criticism for the endless run of failed signings and sacked managers. The return on investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group has been minimal, and the club is regarded in the same light as the Glazers.

Bruno Fernandes, who won the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Player of the Year award, has been the standout performer for United, but his future at the club is in doubt after he openly criticised Michael Carrick. The club may be forced to sell Fernandes, with the Saudi Pro League prepared to break the bank to lure him away.

The club’s identity as “attack, attack, attack” has been a hallmark of the team for decades. But under Ralf Rangnick, the team has been unable to maintain a run of form, and Gary Neville has alleged levels of unprofessionalism from certain members of the squad. The club is now in need of a revolution to reconnect with its most patient and loyal support.