Constantly battered by minnows: Is Manchester United still a big club?

Manchester United last won the English Premier League title in 2013. That was during the last decade under Sir Alex Ferguson. I mean, that was just a month after Mwai Kibaki had left his seat as the President of Kenya.

Even John Pombe Magufuli, the fifth President of the United Republic of Tanzania, was still alive. Today, he is close to two years in the ground.

In the United Kingdom, the Queen was well alive and kicking. Today, she is dead and King Charles III is in charge. Besides, David Cameron was the Prime Minister. Since then, Cameron left and the UK has had four more Premiers.

Is Manchester United still a big club? — Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson (pictured) led Manchester United to a record-extending 20th league title in May 2013 before calling it a day at Old Trafford after 26 years. [Photo/Sky Sports].

In simple terms, a lot of things have happened since. Only two things remain constant: the colour of the Kenyan flag and the President of Uganda – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

After an eventful first season in which he won the club the Carabao Cup, reached the FA final, reached the Europa League quarterfinal, and brought Champions League nights back to Old Trafford, Manchester United is a disaster in Erik ten Hag’s second season.

The 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 30, 2023, was quite a disappointing low. Forest’s only second win over United in the Premier League and their first over them at home.

Constantly battered by minnows: Is Manchester United still a big club? — Argentine midfielder Nicolás Domínguez breaks the deadlock in favour of Nottingham Forest in their 2-1 win over Manchester United on December 30, 2023. [Photo/Stretty News].

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The Red Devils have lost a staggering nine games, 20 rounds into the 2023/24 Premier League season, and occupy seventh place with 31 points – 11 points off leaders Liverpool, who have played a game less.

United was also knocked out of Europe after finishing bottom of Group H behind Bayern Munich, Copenhagen, and Galatasaray in the Champions League. The Red Devils were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a 3-0 beating by Newcastle United.

Old Trafford is in disarray. Manchester United fans are disillusioned. It is difficult to believe that this is the same team that knocked Barcelona out of Europe last season. The constant battering by minnows is a disappointing nadir. Is Manchester United still a top club?

The author is a Digital Sports Editor with seven years of experience in print, digital, and broadcast media.