Manchester United enjoyed a stunning 29-point swing in the Premier League from the 2024-25 to 2025-26 season, underlining the club's resurgence under Michael Carrick. The Red Devils finished third with 71 points, securing a return to Champions League football after a dismal 15th-place finish last season. Carrick, who replaced the sacked Ruben Amorim in January, inspired the turnaround and has since been appointed permanent manager.
Biggest Positive Swing
United's 42 points in 2024-25 were their lowest in the Premier League era, but they improved by 29 points this campaign. This was the largest positive swing among the 17 teams that featured in both seasons. Arsenal also saw a double-digit increase, adding 11 points to claim the title with 85 points, ending a 22-year wait. Manchester City improved by seven points under Pep Guardiola in his final season, finishing as runners-up with 78 points.
Liverpool's Decline
Liverpool suffered the biggest negative swing, dropping 24 points from 84 to 60. Arne Slot's side endured a nightmare title defence after winning the league in his first season, but still secured Champions League qualification by finishing fifth. Other notable declines included Wolves (down 22 points to 20), Nottingham Forest (down 21 to 44), and both Chelsea and Newcastle (down 17 points each). Chelsea finished 10th with 52 points, while Newcastle ended 12th with 49 points, both missing European football.
Other Teams
Tottenham improved by three points from 38 to 41, yet still finished 17th for the second consecutive season, avoiding relegation on the final day. Bournemouth and Everton each added one point, with Bournemouth qualifying for the Europa League. Aston Villa and Brighton saw slight declines of one and eight points respectively, despite clinching Champions League and Conference League spots. The lower totals required for safety were partly due to the strong performance of promoted sides Sunderland, Leeds, and Burnley, who amassed 123 points collectively, more than double the 59 points mustered by Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton the previous season.
