Man United have reached their lowest. United have won just seven points from eight Premier League games this season (W1 D4 L3), their lowest at this stage of a league season since 1986-87. What happens when the team that once frightened everyone starts looking like a side that can be beaten by almost anybody? 

Supporters are asking again after Sunday’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Another match, another disappointing result, and another afternoon that has left the club’s supporters wondering how much worse things can get. For a club of United’s size, this is becoming difficult to explain. The problem is bigger than one defeat. Manchester United are struggling to find consistency, confidence and a clear identity on the pitch. Their recent run of results has raised serious questions about the direction of the team. Before Sunday’s game, United had already suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Como in midweek. Losing again at home, this time without scoring, has only made the situation more uncomfortable.

United have just seven points from their opening eight league matches and sit 16th, only one point above the relegation zone. The performances are not giving supporters much reason to believe that an immediate turnaround is coming. United can have possession, move the ball around and create moments of pressure, but too often they lack the quality and organisation needed to turn those moments into goals.

At the other end, defensive mistakes continue to cost them dearly. Against Bournemouth, the second goal was a perfect example of how one error can completely change a match. You cannot expect to compete consistently at the highest level when the same problems keep appearing. United looked short of confidence against Bournemouth. After going two goals down, they needed urgency, leadership and a willingness to take the game to their opponents. Instead, Bournemouth continued to look dangerous, eventually scoring a third. This is where the club’s experienced players must step forward. Manchester United need leaders who can lift the team when things go wrong, not a side that appears to lose belief after conceding.

The supporters can accept losing a difficult match. What becomes harder to accept is watching the same mistakes happen repeatedly without seeing convincing signs of improvements. Inconsistency, defensive errors, questions over tactics, a lack of confidence and growing pressure are combining to make life miserable for everyone connected with the club.

There is still time to change the story of this season, but time alone will not solve anything. United must show that they are willing and capable of changing. For now, the question remains. Why can’t Manchester United win? Until the players start providing answers on the pitch, the supporters will keep asking it.