Pranav Nair
Manchester United have now conceded 27 Premier League goals this season at Old Trafford
Playing Manchester United at Old Trafford was a thought that struck fear into the hearts of opposition players.
If one takes this season into account, it might just not be true anymore. The loss to Liverpool yesterday night saw us drop not just three points but also an unwanted statistic that remained unbreached since the 1971/72 season.
Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time strike was the 27th goal that the Red Devils have conceded in the league this season. It is our worst run since the 1971/72 campaign where we let in 26.
To put matters into perspective, only Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion have conceded more goals than United at home this season. Meanwhile, we have conceded just 15 goals away from home, a tally bettered only by Manchester City.
It must be noted that 13 of the goals we conceded at home came in just three games against Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. The worrying aspect is that had these teams taken their chances, it could have been so much worse.
The absence of skipper Harry Maguire yesterday played a role as the backline looked bereft of leadership. However, it was far from a one-off as previous results have shown.
It is no secret that United are in the market for a new defender this summer. Given the evidence on hand, it has to be considered a high priority.
The loss yesterday also laid bare our susceptibility to set pieces. Two of Liverpool’s goals came from dead-ball situations, prompting Solskjaer to demand better from his team in the future.
More News
- Solskjaer claims Manchester United stars created own downfall in Liverpool defeat
- Fans slam Manchester United after 2-4 loss to Liverpool at home
- Player Ratings as Manchester United succumb to a 2-4 loss to Liverpool
United have now suffered their sixth loss at home in the league this season. It is our worst run since the 2013/14 season where we had seven defeats. The Red Devils have now also lost more home games in the league than the last two seasons combined.
Solskjaer’s side will welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on 18th May for their last home game of the campaign. Surely, it cannot get any worse.
