Are Manchester United really at risk of a relegation scrap?

Manchester United’s poor start has raised questions about whether they could be pulled into a relegation battle, after a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea left them 17th. The prospect remains unlikely given the club’s resources, but their results and league position make the possibility harder to dismiss than usual.

United have seven points from nine league games and have gone nine matches in all competitions without a win, their worst run since 1988-89. The article notes that West Ham were relegated in 2002-03 with a record 42 points, while United’s current points rate would amount to fewer than 30 over a full season. They next face Aston Villa on 8 November, then have difficult league trips including Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal; Lisandro Martinez is suspended for the Villa match.