Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Gary Neville called Manchester United's second half performance against Fulham the worst he's seen from the team since he started supporting them during his childhood.
The former United captain bemoaned the lack of effort shown by Michael Carrick's men, accusing them of walking around the pitch. It's not the first time this group of players' energy levels have been questioned, as Erik ten Hag famously made them run 14 kilometeres in training after a 4-0 defeat to Brentford in August 2022.
Sky Sports backed up Neville by producing a statistical graphic highlighting the difference in distance covered between the two teams. After the full-time whistle, Carrick's men had collectively covered 110.2km, 6.5km less than Fulham players at 116.7km.
As damning as that is for a Red Devils side low on confidence and out of form, they at least aren't in the bottom three of Premier League teams ranked by distance covered. Using FotMob here is the list of all 20 top-flight clubs and there are some big surprises.
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20–16
Reuters/ Toby Melville
It may surprise fans to read that Liverpool sit bottom for distance covered per match, having clocked 110.3km in their opening five fixtures. Andoni Iraola's men usually dominate possession and have started the season unbeaten, but there have been some question marks over their energy levels, particularly in lackluster showings against Newcastle United (2-2) and Fulham (0-0).
Coventry City need to get a move on if they are to avoid relegation, but Frank Lampard's men aren't putting in the hard yards. It's understandable given they are new to the demands of top-flight football and covering 110.5km on average reflects this.
Reuters
Much like Iraola teams, Enzo Maresca focuses on keeping the ball, which explains why Manchester City are in the bottom three for total distance covered. The current league leaders are usually covering a distance of 111.2km, but they are the team to beat as things stand.
Manchester United's low running statistics put them near the bottom, and they surprisingly have a higher average possession than Liverpool (59.9%). The issues facing Carrick is that his team aren't doing anything effective with the ball, fluffing their lines up top and suspect at the back.
15–11
Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
Another team whose lack of running has coincided with a disastrous start to the season are Tottenham Hotspur. Roberto De Zerbi's men have covered 112.1km on average and horror showings thus far have them sitting rock-bottom heading into the first international break.
Oliver Glasner is renowned for his defensive tactics, and it's easy to understand why Nottingham Forest are near the bottom of the running table, clocking 112.5km per match. It's been a topsy-turvy start to the campaign, but they did take a point at Anfield and beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.
Chelsea were tipped as dark horses for the title until cracks started to show after a 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates. Defensive vulnerabilities have been on display, conceding a league-high 12 goals and Xabi Alonso's players are covering 113.5km per game.
There are always arguments about David Moyes' brand of football but it gets results. Take, for example, Everton's last-gasp 2-2 draw against Manchester United, certainly putting in the hard yards as they record 113.6km distance covered in their first five outings.
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
This season's surprise package has been Hull City, who mauled United in their opener, showing so much more desire than their opponents on the day. Sergej Jakorivic's Tigers are a hardworking bunch and at 114.2km, their running statistics put them mid-table where they hope to be, come the end of the season.
10–6
REUTERS/Tony O Brien
It's hard not to get blown away by Brighton & Hove Albion, who are surely in the mix to qualify for the Champions League. Fabian Hurzeler is settled in at the Amex and his players are following his direction, covering 114.3km which includes their remarkable 3-0 win over Arsenal last Saturday.
Leeds United have been another impressive side knocking on the European door and much of that is down to their tireless work ethic. Daniel Farke's Peacocks have been covering 114.6km per match and they showed their incredible energy levels in their 4-1 victory against Newcastle United.
Despite participating in their debut Europa League campaign, Sunderland haven't taken their foot off the gas. Having covered a distance of 114.7 per match, talk of a potential second season hangover is being put to bed.
You can't fault Ipswich Town players' commitment as Gary O'Neil's side are averaging a distance of 114.8km per match. The Tractor Boys have dealt with a difficult opening set of fixtures and did show promise in defeats to Liverpool and United.
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Matthias Jaissle has made quite the impression at the start of his Newcastle United reign and his players have taken to the German coach. The Magpies are slightly above Ipswich, covering a total distance of 114.9km.
5–1
Reuters
The top five makes for interesting reading and Crystal Palace are fifth for total distance covered, averaging 115.2km. New manager Pierre Sage has been implementing his playing philosophy which differs from Glasner's and the Selhurst Park faithful will be stressing patience.
Bournemouth remain one of the toughest sides in the top-flight despite Iraola's departure and Marco Silva has his players running 115.4km per match. Whether midweek European football will eventually take its toll remains to be seen but for now the Cherries are handling it well.
Reuters
High pressing and hard work have led Brentford to an unbeaten start to the campaign and a 3-0 win against Chelsea truly has them dreaming of Europe. If the Bees continue to buzz and put in the hard work as their distance of 117.5km reflects, they could be hearing that Champions League anthem next season.
There are clear signs of what Alvaro Arbeloa wants from his Fulham team but there are concerns that he doesn't have the personnel to put his ideas into practice. They outran United at Craven Cottage on Sunday and are covering a distance of 118.5km per match.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick
Arsenal are the most hardworking team in the Premier League and Mikel Arteta has made clear that high work rate is a must for any player wanting to represent the Gunners. The defending champions have been covering the most distance at 118.7km, and they make the top five for outrunning their opponents so far this season, doing so against Coventry (6.7km), Villa (5.5km) and Chelsea (5.4km).