5 worst Man United defeats in Premier League history
Published:
After Leicester City exposed the Manchester United resurgence as a sham, question marks are hovering over the Red Devils’ defence larger than ever before.
United were ahead by two twice at the King Power stadium but for all the might of their expensively-formed attacking players, the hapless defence capitulated to concede five for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s bizarre send off against West Brom.
United are 1/3 to bounce back with a win over West Ham but with the Leicester result was worse than anything seen under the ill-fated David Moyes reign, Louis van Gaal will have his work cut out this week.
Iin order to pick the Dutchman up here are five even worse defeats suffered under Ferguson.
Newcastle 5 – 0 Man United – October 20th 1996
United started the season with a comprehensive 4-0 win over the Magpies in the Charity Shield and were unbeaten in the league going into this tie at St James’ Park.
Nothing then, could have prepared them for what was to come as Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and a sublime lob from Philippe Albert put the Red Devils to the sword and prompted a flood of playground jokes.
“What time is it in Manchester? Five past Schmeichel!”
Southampton 6 – 3 Man United – October 26th 1996
The Newcastle result sent United into a spin that would see them lose five of their next eight games, including their next league outing against the Saints.
The south-coast side have always been something of a bogey team for the Old Trafford giants but never more than in this embarrassing defeat.
Eyal Berkovic has the Saints 1-0 up before Roy Keane was given his marching orders and Matt Le Tissier made it 2-0.
David Beckham gave United a lifeline before the break but a hat trick from Egil Ostenstad and another from Berkovic ensured that David May and Paul Scholes goals couldn’t halt a comprehensive loss.
Chelsea 5 – 0 Man United – October 3rd 1999
Things started badly and quickly got worse on this trip to Stamford Bridge.
Gus Poyet had the Blues in front in under 60 seconds and Chris Sutton made it 2-0 on 16 minutes.
Nicky Butt was sent packing on just six minutes later before Poyet, a Henning Berg own goal and a Jody Morris strike compounded United’s misery.
Man United 1 – 4 Liverpool – March 14th 2009
While many of United’s worst days have come away from Old Trafford this loss to bitter rivals Liverpool came in full view of the Stretford End.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave a United a good start from the penalty spot but it was all downhill from there.
Fernando Torres levelled the game within minutes and Steven Gerrard gave the Reds the lead from the spot on the stroke of half-time.
Nemanja Vidic, who was run ragged by Torres all afternoon, was then given an early bath on 76 minutes before Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena put the icing on the cake.
Man United 1 – 6 Man City – October 23rd 2011
United’s worst Premier League moment however came courtesy of ‘noisy neighbours’ City.
Few will need reminding of this rout, but Mario Balotelli had he Sky Blues up and running before Jonny Evans was shown red just after the break.
Balotelli and Sergio Aguero then put the visitors out of sight before Darren Fletcher looked to have restored a modicum of pride for the hosts.
This was blown out of the water however, as Edin Dzeko (2) and David Silva (1) fired three goals in two minutes to leave Old Trafford stunned!
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