The current Manchester United squad have set a new, disappointing record for the club, with them having lost four successive away European games.
This unfortunate new record has been set following the club’s pitiful 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord, with them being bested by the Dutch club in their first match in Group A of the Europa League. The group also features Zorya Luhansk and Fenerbahçe, with United being the strong favourites to top the table and advance to the next round.
However, with performances like the one at Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium, those following the European tournament may be forced to rethink Man U’s chances of making strong progress in their group. Along with this being their fourth European defeat in a row, it is also the first time United have lost their opening European group game in consecutive seasons. It also marks the sixth time they haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet in Europe since November 2015, when they played Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s previous club PSG.
The defeat to Feyenoord also marked Ibrahimovic’s first match in the Europa League since 2001, when the striker played for Ajax. Man U’s Swedish signing had a few chances on goal after being brought on in the 63rd minute, including a close free kick attempt, but he still failed to net United any points by the final whistle.
Manchester United will next play Zorya at Old Trafford on September 29, with the club hoping they can nab three points from this home game and overwrite their disappointing start to the tournament.