Given the media storm that has erupted over the past few months, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise. However, Manchester United’s points compared to last season after 12 games paints a different picture.
Manchester United’s defeat away at Crystal Palace at the end of September marked their worst start to a Premier League season.
Losing four of their first seven games was also their worst start since 1989, but four subsequent victories out of a possible five in the Premier League has kept them afloat, and well within reach of the top six.
That isn’t to say the manner in which they have gone about it has been exceptional – in fact, far from it. A solitary goal from stand-in centre-back Victor Lindelof ensured United claimed victory over Luton on matchday 12, but 11 league places and 15 points separating the two sides would suggest the scoreline should have been far more comfortable.
That has largely been the case in their recent Premier League victories. Each of their four wins in the aforementioned five-game period have been by a single goal, with victories against Brentford and Sheffield United coming courtesy of late heroics.
Of course, the frenzied criticism swirling about Old Trafford has been whipped up by their shortcomings in other competitions, with lacklustre defeats in the Carabao Cup and the Champions League interweaving their recent solid league form.
Nevertheless, another three points ensures Erik Ten Hag‘s blushes are spared until after the international break.
Manchester United’s Points Compared to Last Season
Seven wins and five defeats is far from the dream start Manchester United fans were hoping for, but the perceived panic mode at Old Trafford is perhaps somewhat of a misnomer.
This is particularly apparent when comparing their points tally after 12 games to last season.
- 2023/24 Points After 12 Games – 21 (7W | 0D | 5L)
- 2022/23 Points After 12 Games – 21 (6W | 3D | 3L)
Granted, Ten Hag and United were hounded for their slow start last season, but a respectable third-placed finish and a trophy at the end of it highlights just how much of the campaign remains.
Challenging the likes of Arsenal and neighbours Manchester City at the top of the table early on would have been the objective, but there is still plenty of time to make up deficit.
It is worth mentioning the two leaders also have less points than they did at this stage last season.
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