Manchester United is one of the most successful football clubs in history, boasting an impressive collection of domestic and international trophies. However, even the biggest clubs experience tough times, and Manchester United is no exception. Throughout its long and storied existence, the club has suffered through seasons of mediocrity, poor performances, and even relegation. This article by Win Tips Bet delves into the worst Man United team in history below.
The worst man united team
10. The disastrous 2021/22 Season
The 2021/22 season was one of Manchester United’s most disappointing campaigns in the Premier League era. Despite high expectations following the return of Cristiano Ronaldo and the signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphaël Varane, the team finished in sixth place with only 58 points. Managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and later Ralf Rangnick, United never found stability.
Solskjaer, who had led the club to a second-place finish in 2020/21, was sacked in November after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Watford. Carrick took over as interim manager for three games before Rangnick was appointed as an interim boss for the rest of the season. However, the German’s tenure was marked by tactical disarray, dressing room discord, and a lack of clear vision.
In cup competitions, United exited the FA Cup in the fourth round and the League Cup in the third round, while their UEFA Champions League campaign ended in the Round of 16. The lack of cohesion, leadership, and commitment from key players made this one of the most painful seasons in recent memory.
9. The 2024/25 season
Manchester United’s 2024/25 season is still ongoing, but it is already considered one of the worst in the club’s history. Erik ten Hag, after delivering mixed results in the previous campaign, struggled to steady the ship. The team found itself languishing in 13th place in the league with just 26 points by mid-season, a position unthinkable for a club of its stature.
The turmoil led to Ten Hag’s departure, with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ruben Amorim stepping in to manage the team. Despite hopes of redemption in the FA Cup and Europa League, the damage had already been done. This season exposed deeper issues within the club, from poor recruitment to a lack of identity on the pitch.
8. The 1988/89 season
Sir Alex Ferguson is synonymous with Manchester United’s success, but his early years at the club were far from smooth. The 1988/89 season saw United finish 11th in the league, far from their ambitions. Following a second-place finish in 1987/88, expectations were high, but inconsistency and poor results plagued the campaign.
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At the time, there were calls for Ferguson’s dismissal, with critics doubting whether he could lead the club back to glory. Fortunately, the board showed patience, allowing him to build the legendary dynasty that would dominate English football in the years to come.
7. The 1972/73 season
The 1972/73 season remains one of the most humiliating in Manchester United’s history. Managed initially by Frank O’Farrell and later by Tommy Docherty, the team endured a miserable run of form that left them battling against relegation.
By the time O’Farrell was sacked in December, United had gone months without back-to-back wins. Docherty managed to stabilize the squad, but the damage had already been done. United finished 18th, narrowly avoiding the drop and suffered early eliminations in both the FA Cup and League Cup.
6. The 2013/14 season
The departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 marked the beginning of a turbulent era for Manchester United. David Moyes was chosen as his successor, but the transition proved disastrous.
Moyes inherited an aging squad, with key players like Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić, and Patrice Evra past their prime, while younger talents like Adnan Januzaj and Phil Jones were not ready to fill the void. The team struggled in the league, finishing seventh, their lowest position in the Premier League era.
Moyes was sacked before the season ended, with Ryan Giggs taking over as caretaker manager. However, United failed to qualify for the Champions League, making this season one of the club’s worst in modern history.
5. The 1986/87 season
The 1986/87 season was another difficult chapter for Manchester United. Ron Atkinson, the manager at the start of the season, was dismissed in November following a poor start that left the club in 19th place.
Alex Ferguson took over, but despite an improvement in form, United could only finish 11th in the league. Although this was a painful season, it set the stage for Ferguson’s long-term project, which would eventually transform the club into a dominant force.
4. The 1921/22 season
Before the days of Premier League dominance, Manchester United suffered one of its worst seasons in 1921/22. Managed by Jack Robson and John Chapman, the club endured a nightmare campaign that ended in relegation from the top flight.
United had the worst defense in the league and the second-worst attack. Despite the heroics of legendary forward Joe Spence, who scored 15 of the team’s 41 goals, United could not escape the drop. This season remains one of the darkest in club history.
3. The 1893/94 season
Long before Manchester United became a global powerhouse, the club was known as Newton Heath. The 1893/94 season saw the team suffer its first-ever relegation, setting a record for the fewest points won in a single season—just 14.
This disastrous campaign emphasized the financial instability and poor performances that plagued Newton Heath at the time. Eventually, the club would rebrand as Manchester United and rise to prominence, but this season remains a historical low point.
2. The 1973/74 season
The 1973/74 season was another nightmare for Manchester United. Under Tommy Docherty’s management, the club finished 21st in the league, sealing their first relegation since the early 20th century.
This season was infamous for the moment when club legend Denis Law, playing for Manchester City, scored the goal that officially confirmed United’s relegation. It was a humiliating end to a dismal campaign, but it ultimately paved the way for a rebuild that would bring United back to success.
1. The 1930/31 season
Of all the disastrous seasons in Manchester United’s history, none were worse than 1930/31. Under Herbert Bartlett and Walter Crickmer, United endured an abysmal campaign that saw them finish bottom of the table.
The statistics from that season remain shockingly bad: just seven wins, 27 defeats, and 115 goals conceded. It was United’s lowest point, and the club suffered relegation with no hope of survival.
In summary
While fans may debate which was the worst Man United team of all time, one thing remains certain—United always finds a way to bounce back. From relegation battles to failed managerial experiments, each disappointing campaign has left a lasting mark on the club. The 2021/22 season, in particular, stands out as one of the worst in recent memory, but it is far from the only dark period in United’s long history. These moments serve as reminders that no club, no matter how great, is immune to failure.
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