Manchester United's struggles in the Premier League have left fans and analysts questioning the direction of the club.

Now, in the 2024-2025 season, they find themselves in 15th, dangerously close to the relegation battle. 

However, their survival may be more due to the historically low points total of the bottom teams rather than their own performances. 

A Long Time Coming

While Erik ten Hag initially brought optimism with a return to the Champions League and a League Cup victory, cracks in United’s foundation were evident. 

The 2022-2023 season was riddled with inconsistent performances, reliance on individual talent, and a lack of a coherent tactical identity. The team managed a third-place finish, but issues such as squad imbalance, poor recruitment, and behind-the-scenes instability foreshadowed trouble ahead.

By the following season, those problems could no longer be masked. United’s squad, despite heavy investment, lacked cohesion. Injuries to key players exposed the lack of depth, and tactical adjustments did little to improve performance.

A disappointing eighth-place finish meant missing out on Champions League football, adding further pressure to an already unstable situation.

This Season: A New Low

Now, 25 matches into the 2024-2025 campaign, Manchester United sits in 15th place. The team has won just eight matches, drawn five, and lost 12, leaving them with only 29 points.

While United’s form has been dire, their position in the table has been somewhat protected by the poor performances of other clubs. The bottom three teams—Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton—are all on track to record one of the lowest points total in Premier League history. 

Southampton, in particular, has won only two of their 25 matches, making their relegation almost inevitable. Without the struggles of these teams, United could be facing a far graver situation.

Tactical Concerns

One of the most significant criticisms this season has been the lack of a clear tactical identity. Following Erik ten Hag's departure, Rúben Amorim was appointed as the new manager in November 2024, signing a contract until 2027.

Amorim, previously with Sporting CP, is known to stick to a 3-4-3 formation and has been receiving criticism for sticking to a system that does not suit United players.

The midfield has also been a particular concern. Bruno Fernandes remains a central figure, and the addition of Mason Mount has not yielded the desired results.

Defensive Instability

Defensively, United has been equally concerning. Injuries have aggravated their backline, with Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw missing extended periods. This has forced Amorim to frequently rotate his defense, preventing a sense of stability.

André Onana has delivered mixed performances, making crucial saves but also committing high-profile mistakes. He now faces tremendous pressure as United reportedly look to replace him.

United's vulnerability in transition has been a constant issue. Without a solid defensive structure, the team has often found itself on the back foot, conceding avoidable goals in critical moments.

Can Manchester United Recover?

As it stands, United is not in danger of relegation, but their path has been deeply concerning.

The upcoming summer could be essential. If United continues on this trajectory, changes within the team are likely. 

The club must address long-standing issues in recruitment, squad planning, and tactical execution if they hope to return to the top of English football.