Manchester United Fall Into Premier League Relegation Zone Following Forest Victory

Manchester United dropped into the bottom three after Nottingham Forest defeated Manchester City 3-1, the first time the club has occupied a relegation spot this late in a season since 1986.

Manchester United ended a day in the Premier League relegation zone for the first time in 40 years at this stage of a campaign following Nottingham Forest's 3-1 victory over Manchester City. The result at the City Ground, which handed City a third consecutive league loss, pushed Michael Carrick’s side into the bottom three after playing at least nine matches. The last time the club occupied a top-flight relegation spot this deep into a season was November 1986, when they sat in 21st place after 15 games.

United have not secured a Premier League win since a 5-2 result against Ipswich Town on Aug. 30. This stretch has resulted in the club's worst-ever start to a Premier League season. Historical precedent from the 1986-87 campaign saw manager Ron Atkinson dismissed in November and replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson after a similarly poor opening run.

Pressure remains high on Carrick despite a 3-2 Champions League win against AS Roma on Tuesday. United face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, but could start that match at the bottom of the table if Sunderland beat Chelsea and Crystal Palace avoid defeat against Liverpool. Carrick stated on Friday that he has seen a "positive reaction" from his squad following the midweek European comeback, though he acknowledged the team has not proven their capabilities enough lately.