Rúben Amorim didn’t hold back. Deeply affected by the home loss against Brighton, the Portuguese coach dared to suggest that his team might be the worst in Manchester United’s history.

A harsh statement, but one that underscores the grim reality for the Red Devils. Since arriving last November, the former Sporting boss has already lost 6 of the 11 Premier League matches he’s managed. The defeat to the Seagulls marked their 10th of the season, leaving United 13th in the table with just 26 points—a poor tally but not the worst at this stage.

Hope for Amorim

In 1989-1990, Sir Alex Ferguson’s worst season, his team had just 24 points and 10 defeats at the same stage. They also finished 13th that season, with 16 defeats—a record for the past 51 years. Worse campaigns occurred in 1914-1915, 1972-1973, 1927-1928, 1962-1963, and the infamous 1930-1931 season, where United finished 22nd and conceded a staggering 115 goals in 42 games.

Thirty-five years ago, Sir Alex endured a tough league season but managed to win the FA Cup, his first trophy with United. Reports suggest Ferguson advised Amorim to stay positive during a recent meeting. An encouraging message for the 39-year-old coach.