Four Points From Four Games! Man United Suffer Joint-Worst Premier League Start Since 1992

Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to 10-man Manchester City has intensified concerns surrounding the club, with supporters stepping up protests against the ownership as the team recorded its joint-worst Premier League start since 1992.

According to Bush Radio Academy, United have managed just four points from their opening four league matches, matching their record at the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign.

The latest setback came at Old Trafford on a tense day, with supporters protesting against Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family before and during the Manchester derby.

Large numbers of fans gathered outside the stadium before kick-off, with flares reportedly set off as members of the 1958 Group marched through the Munich tunnel.

Inside the stadium, The Red Army group abandoned its customary banners and instead displayed a single message above the players’ tunnel which read, “The way you treat us is a disgrace.”

The growing protests are partly connected to the club’s investigation into ticket touting, which resulted in hundreds of supporter accounts being banned, sanctioned or warned. Manchester United said 685 accounts had been banned, while another 464 had been sanctioned or warned. The club added that 468 cases were resolved without further action after supporters provided information regarding the activity identified.

However, fan groups have criticised the way the investigation was handled, with some accusing the club of failing to adequately listen to match-going supporters.

The growing unrest has also emerged amid Manchester United’s financial challenges. The club’s most recent accounts reportedly showed overall debt of £1.3 billion, including outstanding transfer fees, while further financial details are expected to be released on September 23.

Ratcliffe’s involvement had raised expectations that Manchester United could return to financial and sporting stability, but the team’s performances have so far failed to match those ambitions.

Chief executive Omar Berrada previously set a target of winning the Premier League title in 2028. However, United have now begun consecutive league campaigns with only four points from their first four matches.

The latest derby defeat was particularly frustrating for United supporters because Manchester City played with 10 men for more than 70 minutes following Phil Foden’s red card.

United also had to contend with controversy surrounding Erling Haaland’s winning goal, with refereeing body Pro Ref later acknowledging that VAR made an “error of judgement” in allowing the goal to stand.

Manager Michael Carrick admitted that the club’s points tally was below expectations at this stage of the season, acknowledging the disappointment surrounding the team.

“We haven’t got as many points as we would have liked at this point, for sure. There’s no getting away from that,” Carrick said.