Manchester United have taken only seven points from their opening seven Premier League matches in 2026-27, their worst start to a first-division season since 1986 and one that has increased pressure on manager Michael Carrick.

United’s points return has not been lower at this stage since the 1921-22 campaign, when they had six points after seven matches and were eventually relegated to the Second Division. The club have also recorded their fewest wins in the first seven games since 1953-54, when they failed to win any of those matches.

The current run has revived memories of previous Manchester United teams whose poor beginnings led to relegation, managerial changes, narrow escapes and, in some cases, significant recovery.

Previous United seasons offer mixed warnings

In 1921-22, United’s six-point start preceded relegation in the club’s 26th Football League season. It was their first relegation since 1906.

The 1930-31 campaign was even worse. United lost their first 12 matches, won only seven games all season and finished with 22 points from 42 matches, with a goal difference of -62. Manager Herbert Bamlett was dismissed with six matches remaining, and club secretary Walter Crickmer took charge as acting manager.

United also struggled in 1938-39, collecting five points from their first six matches after one win, two draws and three defeats. Their only victory came against Birmingham City, and they eventually finished 14th. Walter Crickmer had taken over as manager midway through the previous season and remained in the role.

The 1953-54 side began with four points from seven games, drawing four and losing three. It was the worst start of Sir Matt Busby’s managerial career at the club, and United went eight matches without a win, but recovered to finish fourth.

A similar return came in 1972-73. Frank O’Farrell’s team lost to Ipswich Town, Liverpool and Everton, then went nine matches without victory before beating Derby County 3-0. O’Farrell was dismissed in December after a 5-0 defeat by Crystal Palace. Tommy Docherty replaced him, brought George Best back into the team and guided United to safety.

The 1969-70 campaign began with six points from seven matches following the departure of Sir Matt Busby after 24 years in charge. Wilf McGuinness waited until the seventh game, against Sunderland, for his first win. United recovered to finish eighth and reached the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup.

Carrick faces decisive spell

In 1986-87, United’s four points from seven matches, including defeats by Arsenal, West Ham United and Charlton Athletic, led to Ron Atkinson’s dismissal after a fourth-round League Cup loss to Southampton. Sir Alex Ferguson replaced him and guided the club to 11th.

Ferguson’s 1989-90 team also started with five points from seven games, recording two wins, one draw and four defeats. United finished 13th, but won the FA Cup after beating Crystal Palace 1-0 in a replay following a draw in the first match. The victory proved crucial to Ferguson’s future.

United’s current seven-point total therefore offers no fixed prediction. But unless performances and results improve, Carrick’s side risk turning a difficult opening into another damaging chapter in the club’s history.