It’s been 50 long years since Manchester United faced relegation.
Legend has it that Denis Law, a club icon, sealed their fate with a backheeled goal for Manchester City, a moment he chose not to celebrate.
However, the reality was that United’s doom was already sealed in the 1973-74 season, regardless of Law’s goal.
As the years passed, English football became increasingly dominated by wealth, and United managed to attract more financial power than anyone else.
Few imagined that history could repeat itself.
Fans have grown accustomed to seeing a different Manchester United, but this season feels particularly alarming.
When asked by Reporters if United was in danger of relegation, he candidly replied, “I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans.”
The broader picture reveals a grim reality: Manchester United lost six matches across all competitions in December, marking only the third time in their history they have faced such a struggle in a single month.
They also conceded 18 goals, matching their worst monthly total since March 1964.
Since Amorim took charge on November 24, only Southampton has lost more matches than United among Premier League clubs.
As New Year’s Eve draws near, United sits in 14th place, marking their lowest ranking at this time since 1989.
The crisis escalates as United suffers three consecutive home league losses, a first for the club since February 1979.
They now grapple with three consecutive Premier League defeats in one season, a troubling record not seen since December 2015 under Van Gaal.
Amorim faced the media and made a stunning admission: “It is also my fault,” he said, feeling the pressure.
“The team is not improving. It feels a bit lost at this moment,” he added, acknowledging the dire situation.
Some shocks are monumental, while others are devastating, and United fans face both possibilities this season.
Missing out on the Champions League would hit the club hard, costing Manchester United around £10 million from their Adidas sponsorship.
This figure is well-known among football circles, but relegation would force finance director Roger Bell to investigate parachute payments.
If cost-cutting is urgent now, what will happen if United faces a season with 46 club games, including midweek trips?
If current League One standings hold, Ryan Reynolds and his Wrexham club could find themselves in the same division as United.
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What an intriguing storyline that would create for fans and media alike, sparking widespread interest and conversation!
Historically, four teams have faced relegation in the Premier League after finishing the year in United’s current 14th position.
While it may not reach that point, the situation at Old Trafford clearly shows a pressing need for new talent.
Sadly, financial resources remain tight for a club that reported a staggering £113.2 million loss for the year ending June 2024.
Amorim stated, “We don’t have that possibility in January if we don’t take some players [out].”
He acknowledged the financial constraints and the challenges of altering the squad.
Selling players could offer a possible solution, yet what is the market value of Casemiro?
Once a star at Real Madrid, he now seems lost in the Premier League, with only 18 months remaining on his contract.
Then there’s Joshua Zirkzee, who arrived from Bologna for £36.5 million but struggled to make an impact.
He managed just 33 minutes in this chaotic match before being replaced by Kobbie Mainoo, earning applause from the crowd.
Amorim reflected, “It was a very difficult moment. He is a human being.”
After a brief visit to the dressing room, Zirkzee returned to a more supportive atmosphere.
Still, finding him a meaningful role in the squad remains a challenge.
England forward Marcus Rashford rejoined the matchday squad following a four-game absence but remained on the bench.
United faced their fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions during this match.
Throughout this difficult stretch, the team has not managed to score a single goal, adding to the pressure.
Amorim emphasized that he wasn’t deliberately leaving Rashford out, but his inability to secure a spot raises concerns.
“I just want to win the game,” Amorim emphasized, clearly focused on the team’s needs above all else.
