Manchester United could surpass a record held by the Premier League’s worst-ever team in their final two games of the season.
Manchester United could surpass a record currently held by the Premier League’s worst-ever team when they take to the field for their final two matches of the 2023-24 campaign.
The Red Devils will welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, before finishing their league season away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.
Should Man United concede six more shots, they would incredibly surpass the 629 shots faced by the 2007-08 Derby County side, who were relegated from England’s top flight with just 11 points, which is the lowest total in the competition’s history.
The Red Devils will also be bidding to avoid a 10th home defeat of the season in all competitions on Wednesday, which would represent their worst-ever performance at Old Trafford in a single campaign.
Erik ten Hag‘s side will enter the clash with Newcastle off the back of successive losses to Crystal Palace and Arsenal in England’s top flight.
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Man United bidding to end a disappointing season on a positive note
Man United are eighth in the Premier League table, three points behind both seventh-placed Chelsea and sixth-placed Newcastle.
After concluding their league campaign, the 20-time English champions will then have a week to prepare for the FA Cup final against Manchester City at the end of the month.
There remains widespread uncertainty surrounding the future of Ten Hag, with the club considering a change in the dug-out for the 2024-25 campaign.
A positive end to a tough season could see the Dutchman stay, though, as Europa League qualification would be secured with a victory over Man City in the final of the FA Cup.
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Ten Hag’s future at the helm remains unclear
“It is clear that this is a very important game. Look at the ranking [of the table]. It is very important to get the win. We have to put everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it.” Ten Hag said ahead of the clash with Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Man United currently have a minus four goal difference in the Premier League, having scored 52 and conceded 56 in their 36 top-flight matches this term.
The Red Devils have suffered 14 losses, meanwhile, which is the most in the top 10, and they are 34 points behind division leaders Man City, albeit with a game in hand.
A busy transfer window will see a number of players both leave and arrive at Old Trafford, with new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to make his mark.
Newcastle will arrive at Old Trafford off the back of a 1-1 draw with Brighton, and Eddie Howe‘s side can still finish above Tottenham Hotspur to claim fifth spot in the table.