Man United loses again in worst run at this stage since 1930

Yet another defeat handed Manchester United its worst losing run at this point in England’s top-flight since 1930 on Saturday.

A 2-0 loss at West Ham on Saturday was United’s eighth in the Premier League and 13th in all competitions.

Goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus in the 72nd and 78th minutes at London Stadium propelled West Ham while United’s run without a goal was extended to four games.

“That’s not good enough for our standards,” underfire manager Erik Ten Hag said.

Ten Hag has faced speculation about his position for weeks, and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is reportedly a contender to replace him if he is fired. Ten Hag said recently he has the backing of the club hierarchy but that will surely diminish if the losses keep mounting.

United won the League Cup and qualified for the Champions League in Ten Hag’s first year in charge, but he has struggled to build on that success this term. His team was eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage and exited early from the League Cup.

Defeat at West Ham left United eight points off fourth-placed Tottenham, which beat Everton 2-1.

Ten Hag pointed to an extensive injury list as a factor behind his team’s worrying form.

“First of all, we need returning the players,” he said. “We are quite thin in this moment in the squad. But I have to say the players who were on the pitch, also young players, they had very good performances. But, yeah, it’s of course the experienced players bring us to higher levels.”

TOTTENHAM RUN

Tottenham looks to be over its recent slump and heads into Christmas above defending champion Manchester City after beating Everton 2-1.