Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Manchester United have not had the rub of the green at the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
When Manchester United were handed the easiest start to the Premier League calendar on paper, many fans were dreaming of topping the table by this point.
But after four games played, the Red Devils are slumped down in 13th, their misery compounded by a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the derby over the weekend.
Much of that frustration is aimed at the VAR controversy that stole points away from United. But even if referee decisions are cast aside, United have still had rotten luck in other ways.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Manchester United’s unlucky Premier League statistic
In the Premier League, United have generated an expected goals (xG) of 8.29, the second most of all 20 clubs.
Yet, United have only scored seven goals in the Premier League, and sit with a goal difference of zero.
But that isn’t the unlucky part. The unlucky part is the amount of times United have struck the woodwork this season.
As per Premier League statistics, United have already hit the woodwork four times in four matches.
Two of those came against City. First, Marcus Rashford struck the crossbar from a free-kick, and Kobbie Mainoo hit the woodwork from a curling effort.
United have hit the woodwork more than any other Premier League side, and that is becoming a frustrating trend.
Man United hit the woodwork more than any team in 2025/26
Last season, striking the woodwork was a source of frustration for United.
In fact, United topped the Premier League table (again) for hitting the woodwork, striking it a remarkable 22 times last season.
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That is an average of hitting the woodwork 0.57 times per match last season, which was enough to top the Premier League charts.
This season, United are hitting the woodwork, on average, once every match. Unlucky.