Manchester United are just one point above the Premier League relegation zone after a poor start to the season, and a trip to Chelsea this weekend could see them drop into the bottom three.
The Red Devils have managed only one league win so far, against Ipswich, with their only other victory coming against Sabah FK in the Champions League. They are yet to win away from home all season, which is a concern given their next match is on the road.
Worst start in over 70 years
United have not started a season this badly since the 1953/54 campaign, when they recorded zero wins from their first eight league matches. While they have at least tasted victory once in the Premier League this time, the signs are ominous.
The 20-time English champions travel to Chelsea in the early Saturday kick-off, and if results do not go their way, they could find themselves in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend.
Relegation odds and points projection
United's most recent relegation came in the 1973-74 season, over 70 years ago. Their current rate of one win every eight matches would put them on course for around 33 points this season.
That total would have relegated United last season, but would have been enough for them to stay up in the two campaigns before that. However, those seasons were outliers, with clubs typically relegated if they post fewer than 35 points.
Rooney criticises performances
Former United star Wayne Rooney has said the club is in a dire place, speaking on the Stick to United podcast. He said: "What's not fair is the performances they're giving. I looked at the fans, you could see the pain and anger in their faces when them players are walking around the football pitch."
Rooney added: "You see [Lisandro] Martinez when Rayan ran round him, they're not getting to the ball, it's so frustrating. I could score a goal, had ability or whatever, I f***ing ran and put myself about as a team. These players are not doing that."
He went on to say: "I'd love to go in that dressing room, walk in that dressing room and say, 'What the f*** are you all doing? What type of performances do you think this is? Do you think you deserve to wear the shirt?' Put a f***ing firework up their a**** because they're not doing anything."
Rooney concluded: "We're seeing players who are numb, look like they've got no emotion, look like they don't care. Some of them might care, some good lads who are getting dragged down. It's so frustrating to watch."
