The 21st century brought Manchester United moments of glory under Sir Alex Ferguson, but also nights of despair that fans still remember. Even the most successful clubs cannot avoid humiliation, and United’s post-Ferguson struggles have produced some of their worst defeats in modern history.
Here are ten of Manchester United’s most shocking defeats in the 21st century:
1. Manchester United 1–4 Liverpool (2009, Premier League)
At Old Trafford, United were humbled by their fiercest rivals Liverpool. Fernando Torres tormented Nemanja Vidić, who was sent off, while Steven Gerrard kissed the camera in celebration. Losing so heavily at home to Liverpool was a bitter pill for the fans.
2. Manchester United 1–6 Manchester City (2011, Premier League)
This was the derby defeat that shook English football. Mario Balotelli’s “Why Always Me?” celebration and a rampant City side stunned Old Trafford. United conceded three goals in stoppage time, making it their heaviest home loss since 1955. The match symbolized the power shift in Manchester.
3. Manchester United 0–3 Liverpool (2014, Premier League)
David Moyes’ disastrous season hit its lowest point when Liverpool strolled to a 3–0 win at Old Trafford. United were so poor that Liverpool missed a fourth penalty. Fans described it as one of the most embarrassing home performances in decades.
4. Manchester United 0–4 MK Dons (2014, League Cup)
Just months after Moyes’ sacking, Louis van Gaal’s side was humiliated by League One side MK Dons. A second-string United team was completely dismantled. For a club of United’s stature, losing to lower-league opposition by four goals was a shocking low.
5. Manchester United 1–2 FC Midtjylland (2016, Europa League)
Under Van Gaal, United faced Danish minnows Midtjylland in the Europa League. To the shock of fans, United lost 2–1 in the first leg. Though Marcus Rashford’s debut goals saved them in the return leg, the defeat was a humiliation for such a historic club.
6. Chelsea 4–0 Manchester United (2016, Premier League)
On José Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge, his side was thrashed by Chelsea. Pedro scored in the first minute, and United looked lost throughout. For a manager famed for defensive solidity, the performance was a tactical disaster.
7. Brighton 3–2 Manchester United (2018, Premier League)
In August 2018, United were completely outplayed by Brighton. Defensive errors from Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelöf left Mourinho fuming. The loss, early in the season, foreshadowed the chaos that would follow in Mourinho’s final months at Old Trafford.
8. Everton 4–0 Manchester United (2019, Premier League)
Ole Gunnar Solskjær described this as one of his darkest days. Everton ripped United apart with energy and aggression. The 4–0 scoreline could have been worse, and Solskjær admitted many of his players had “no future” at the club.
9. Manchester United 1–6 Tottenham Hotspur (2020, Premier League)
At Old Trafford, United were humiliated by former manager Mourinho’s Spurs. Anthony Martial was sent off in the first half, and Tottenham scored six. It was United’s joint-heaviest Premier League defeat and a reminder of their inconsistency.
10. Manchester United 0–5 Liverpool (2021, Premier League)
Perhaps the most painful modern defeat. At Old Trafford, Liverpool dismantled United with ruthless efficiency. Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick, and many fans left the stadium at halftime with the score already 4–0. The result intensified pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjær and highlighted how far United had fallen behind their rivals.
Conclusion
From the Maine Road Massacre of 1989 to the Liverpool humiliation in 2021, Manchester United’s history is dotted with crushing defeats. The 20th century had its heavy losses during the rebuilding years, while the 21st century brought humiliations against rivals and even lower-league teams.
But if United’s story tells us anything, it is this: defeats, however painful, often serve as catalysts for resurgence. The club has always bounced back, and that resilience defines Manchester United as much as their many triumphs.
