MU sets its worst record in 111 years

The 2025/26 season is turning into one of the bleakest chapters in Manchester United's history.

Following the defeat against Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup, the Red Devils now face the prospect of having their fewest matches played in over a century, a statistic that has shocked their supporters.

Being knocked out early from the FA Cup means Manchester United are almost certain to finish without any trophies for the second consecutive year. Previously, the Old Trafford side suffered a major disappointment by exiting the League Cup in the second round after losing to Grimsby, a result considered unacceptable for one of England’s most storied clubs.

In the Premier League, Manchester United’s situation is also grim. After more than half the season, they sit in seventh place, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal with only 17 games remaining. This gap effectively ends any realistic hopes of winning the title, even if it remains a theoretical goal.

The most practical aim for interim coach Darren Fletcher’s squad now is to secure a top-four spot to return to the Champions League. The gap to Liverpool, currently fourth, is just 3 points, while Brentford in fifth place is only one point ahead of Manchester United. However, given their inconsistent form and low morale, this remains a challenging task.

What’s more concerning are the historical statistics. If Manchester United fail to advance far in any remaining competitions, they will end the season having played only 40 matches — the fewest since the 1914/15 season. This is a direct consequence of not qualifying for European tournaments after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season.

For the first time in history, Manchester United have participated in both domestic cup competitions and been eliminated in the opening round of each, without any continental competition to salvage the season. In fact, it’s the first time since the 1981/82 season that the Red Devils have been knocked out at the first hurdle in both the FA Cup and the League Cup.

That’s not all; the upcoming schedule promises more turbulence. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will visit Old Trafford, followed just a week later by an away match at Arsenal. These two games are seen as a severe test of the team’s resilience, spirit, and true capability during this difficult rebuilding phase.