Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to City last weekend was more than just another derby defeat. It showed a much deeper crisis – one where the numbers, not just the scoreline, tell the story.
Amorim’s Stubborn System Under Fire
Rúben Amorim is now statistically one of the least successful managers in United’s modern history. With just 1.34 points per game, he holds the worst record for any United boss with 25+ games since the 1940s. In the Premier League era, he ranks 137th out of 177 managers.
The problems run through every line of the pitch. United scores just 1.16 goals per game (18th in the Premier League) despite being 4th in shots taken. Their conversion rate of 7.4% is 22nd, while their underperformance of expected goals sits at -8.49 (23rd). Defensively, they concede 1.58 goals per match (15th) and keep clean sheets in only 16.1% of games (19th).
On CBS Sports Golazo Network’s Numbers Don’t Lie powered by Sofascore, hosts Nico Cantor and JayDee Dyer went into the numbers – and the stubbornness. Amorim is still insisting that he won’t abandon his philosophy or his 3-4-3 system. As the hosts noted, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” And as the hosts put it bluntly, “Old Trafford isn’t the Theatre of Dreams right now – it’s looking more like a theatre of nightmares.”
Haaland Making History
On the blue side of Manchester, the derby only strengthened Erling Haaland’s case as one of the most ruthless strikers in history. He has now scored eight goals in just six Premier League derbies against United, matching the numbers of Wayne Rooney and Sergio Agüero in far fewer games.
Since joining City, Haaland has scored 129 goals, averaging a goal every 95 minutes, and requiring just 25.7 touches per goal – the most efficient striker in Europe. In Premier League history since 2015/16, nobody comes close: Haaland averages a goal every 93.5 minutes, far ahead of Agüero, Isak, Kane and Salah.
Numbers Don’t Lie powered by Sofascore
Numbers Don’t Lie powered by Sofascore is the new CBS Sports Golazo Network show that turns data into stories. In a sport driven by passion and opinions, numbers bring the clarity fans need.
From Champions League, to Premier League. From Serie A, to MLS. From Qarabag beating Benfica 3:2 in Europe’s most elite club competition, to Messi posting another perfect 10 Rating in Miami. Every Monday, the show takes statistics from Sofascore and translates them into insights no highlight reel can explain.
Fans can also watch full episodes for free on YouTube at this link.
