Manchester United have recorded a new negative milestone in their history after being knocked out of the FA Cup early, following a 2–1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday evening in the third round of the competition.
As a result of this elimination, it has been confirmed that Manchester United will play the fewest matches in a single season for the first time in 111 years.
The early exits from both domestic cup competitions, combined with the club’s absence from European tournaments this season, mean the team has not had such a limited schedule since the 1914–1915 season, according to Opta statistics.
United will play only 40 matches this season, consisting of 38 games in the Premier League, one match in the League Cup, and one in the FA Cup, having been eliminated from both competitions at the first hurdle.
This marks the lowest number of matches the club has played in a single campaign in more than a century, particularly notable given their lack of European participation.
According to Opta, the club also set another unwanted record by being eliminated from both the FA Cup and the League Cup in the opening round during the same season for the first time since the 1981–1982 campaign, underlining the team’s ongoing struggles.
Earlier this season, Manchester United were knocked out of the League Cup in August by fourth-division side Grimsby Town after a 2–2 draw and a defeat on penalties, further deepening the club’s difficulties.
The loss to Brighton was also the second match in charge for interim manager Darren Fletcher, who is still searching for his first victory, adding to the pressure within the club.
In the Premier League, Manchester United’s hopes of competing for the title appear almost impossible.
The team currently sits seventh in the standings with 32 points, trailing league leaders Arsenal by 17 points, as their challenging domestic season continues.
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