Manchester United find themselves fourth in the Premier League table under Michael Carrick but luck has not been on their side this season.
Champions League is the target for Manchester United this season and Michael Carrick has put the Red Devils in a fantastic position by winning three games on the bounce.
United are now just six points behind Manchester City in second and some supporters are even dreaming of a title race.
We are calling it now… Bruno Fernandes should win Premier League Player of the Season 2025/26
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Statistically, United have been one of the strongest teams in the division, especially in the final third. But some games have just not gone in their favour.
It’s often easy in sports to attribute things to bad luck, but there are two interesting stats that do suggest United have been unlucky.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty ImagesMan United have had luck go against them this season
With 44 goals scored in 2025/26, United have outscored their 2024/25 tally already with 14 games still left to play.
That is a credit to the attacking reinforcements brought in over the summer. But United have been unlucky to not score more.
As per the Premier League statistics, no top-flight team has hit the woodwork more than United’s 18 this season.
In fact, Newcastle, in second place, have only hit the woodwork 14 times. Manchester City just 11 times in third – so United are out in the clear at the top of that statistic.
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Additionally, several penalty calls have not gone in United’s favour, meaning the Red Devils have had just two spot-kicks all season.
According to FotMob, United have taken 665 touches of the ball in the opposition’s box, meaning they are only being awarded a penalty on average every 332 touches in the opposing box. Only Liverpool and Everton have had fewer penalties than United in 2025/26.
Bruno Fernandes has hit the woodwork more than anyone
On current form, Fernandes is competing for Premier League Player of the Season and the assist record in the top flight.
With five goals and 12 assists this season, he has been a standout performer for United, but he could and should have more goals to his name.
Fernandes has hit the woodwork five times already this season, more than any other player in the Premier League.
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He has taken just 33 shots in the league, ranking 18th in the division.
So many of United’s games have been decided by small margins this season, and often it has gone against the Red Devils.
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