04 March 2024 , 07:57
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Roy Keane admits Manchester United 's total of 11 Premier League losses this season is "one scary stat" after they lost again in the Manchester derby.
The Red Devils were outclassed by their rivals at the Etihad as they fell to another reverse, which further dents their Champions League hopes. United were tipped to push forward this term under Erik ten Hag, but instead the Dutchman has taken them backwards, which has cast doubt over his future.
Their amount of losses will make for worrying reading with the club hitting double figures for just the fourth time in the Premier League era. United's most defeats in a season is 12 - which has happened on two occasions - and they could yet surpass that with Keane concerned by their shortcomings.
He said on Sky Sports : "That’s 11 league games they’ve lost. That’s one scary stat when you consider where United are. Obviously they gave up so many goals in defeats. We spoke last week in the Fulham game, they lacked a bit of energy. In the last 20 to 25 minutes City were just men versus boys at the end.
"United were just hanging in there and making mistakes at the end. The lads coming off the pitch not quite getting up to speed while City’s players were coming on and making a difference and giving them energy. Towards the end you’re thinking it could be four or five. You have to take it."
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Five of United's losses came in their first 10 games as they were beaten at home by the likes of Crystal Palace, Brighton and City. Ten Hag's side also lost four times in December, notably at home to Bournemouth and at Nottingham Forest. They've now lost successive games after going down to City and Fulham.
United's worst two showings in the top flight came under David Moyes in 2013/14 and Ralf Rangnick in 2022/23 - both times the club lost 12 times and finished seventh and sixth respectively. Currently Ten Hag's side sit in sixth with a notable gap to Tottenham in fifth.
Defeat leaves Man Utd down in sixthDespite suffering another defeat Ten Hag remained upbeat about their prospects of rising up the table as they eye fifth, which could mean a route into the Champions League.
He said: "We caught up from January and you have the same questions and we have the same questions. It can be a quick turnaround and we go into another final and try and get closer to them. It can be an advantage that the fifth spot can also be Champions League spot. So we have to go for it and win our games."
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