Sport
5 of the worst Manchester United defeats ever
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United hit “rock bottom” after last Sunday’s 5-0 humiliation at home to rivals Liverpool. Mohamed Salah’s hat-trick – the first an away player has ever
scored in the Premier League at Old Trafford – consigned United to the latest horrendous result in a season that was unravelling at a rapid rate for the Red Devils before they earnt a reprieve by
beating Tottenham. Liverpool could have scored even more had they not taken their foot off the gas after United were reduced to 10 men, when Paul Pogba was dismissed for a lunge on Naby
Keita. Where does it sit on our list of the worst Premier League defeats ever suffered by Manchester United?
Manchester United worst Premier League defeats
Newcastle United 5 – 0 Manchester United (1996)
One of the most memorable matches in Premier League history, the Red Devils went down to a heavy 5-0 loss away to Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers.
Darren Peacock’s header from a corner just about crossed the line to get Newcastle up and running with David Ginola lashing home a beauty to double the hosts’ lead. Les Ferdinand rose highest to crash in a header from Alan Shearer’s right-wing cross before Newcastle’s number nine made it 4-0 himself by tucking home a rebound from close range.
An outrageous chip from defender Phillipe Albert completed a huge victory for Newcastle. But it was Manchester United who had the last laugh that season, winning the title yet again, despite one of the worst defeats in their history.
Southampton 6 – 3 Manchester United (1996)
Remarkably, United’s defence was even worse shortly afterwards, shipping six at Southampton. Roy Keane’s red card after just 20 minutes made it tough for Alex Ferguson’s side, who struggled to contain Eyal Berkovic – the Israeli contributing three assists and one goal.
Egil Ostenstad also struck twice for the Saints at the Dell in one of their most famous wins ever. On this occasion, United could not even blame the fact they were wearing a grey kit. Ferguson’s men were able to recover from these twin humiliations to defend their Premier League title, holding off the challenge of Liverpool and Newcastle in the closing weeks.
Manchester United 1 – 6 Manchester City (2011)
Last Saturday, fittingly, was the 10-year anniversary of one of the wost defeats and performances in Manchester United history. Previously dismissed by Ferguson as “noisy neighbours”, Manchester City ran riot at Old Trafford to signal a changing of the guard in English football.
Mario Balotelli was the star of the show, scoring two of City’s six goals and unveiling his iconic “why always me?” t-shirt in an unforgettable celebration. The Italian striker had firefighters called to his house the day before this game after a firework had gone off, but he did his talking on the pitch this time.
A red card for Jonny Evans when he brought down Balotelli prompted a late collapse, with City having been 3-0 up with 21 minutes to go. David Silva’s strike and two Edin Dzeko goals in added time made this a derby day to forget. City would eventually clinch the title on goal difference thanks to Sergio Aguero’s late heroics.
Chelsea 4 – 0 Manchester United (2016)
Jose Mourinho endured a miserable return to Stamford Bridge when his United side were dismantled by Chelsea a couple of months into the 2016-17 Premier League season. Pedro capitalised on dire defending to put Chelsea in front with just 30 seconds on the clock with Gary Cahill hammering in the Blues’ second before Eden Hazard made it 3-0.
The rout was completed by an unlikely scorer as N’Golo Kante’s solo strike wrapped things up.
Manchester United 1 – 6 Tottenham (2020)
Mourinho was a lot happier after this one, with his Spurs side in superb form at the start of last season, taking apart Solskjaer’s rudderless defence with ease at Old Trafford. United actually took the lead inside two minutes when Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty, but Tanguy Ndombele made the most of shambolic defending to quickly level the scores.
Heung-min Son and Harry Kane both scored twice and Serge Aurier also got on the scoresheet with United falling apart after Anthony Martial was sent off for clashing with Erik Lamela. Undoubtedly one of the worst Manchester United results during the Premier League era, Solskjaer survived on that occasion but will a 5-0 loss to Liverpool ultimately prove his undoing?
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