Manchester United's 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace has left them staring at the prospect of finishing a Premier League season with a negative goal difference for the first time since 1990. The defeat at Selhurst Park, courtesy of goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Tyrick Mitchell and a Michael Olise double, dropped United to eighth in the table, 13 points adrift of the top four with three games left.
Erik ten Hag's side have now conceded 81 goals in all competitions, their highest total since the 1976/77 campaign, and 55 in the Premier League. With a goal difference of -3, any further slip-ups against Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton could see them finish on a negative figure for the first time in 34 years. They also risk accumulating fewer points than David Moyes managed during his ill-fated tenure in 2013/14, needing five more to avoid their lowest ever top-flight points total.
Ten Hag blamed his side's defensive woes on injuries, pointing to Jonny Evans, who partnered midfielder Casemiro at centre-back despite not being fully fit. “Everyone can see our backline, there we have huge problems,” he said. “We should have done better than we did. Huge respect for Jonny that he stepped in, but he wasn't ready to go into the game.”
United have now lost four league games in 2024, and with Champions League qualification out of reach, the pressure on Ten Hag continues to mount. The club's poor form has sparked debate over whether the Dutchman should be sacked before the season ends.
