Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew has issued a stark warning to Manchester United, suggesting the club could face an unprecedented battle to avoid relegation in the 2025-2026 campaign. In an interview with British radio station talkSPORT, the ex-Newcastle United and Crystal Palace boss pinpointed unresolved defensive frailties and a divisive dressing room environment as critical threats to the 20-time English champions.
Speaking on the potential relegation risks for Premier League clubs, Pardew included Manchester United among teams in the “bottom ten” due to ongoing issues preventing goals. “The problem is keeping goals out, and at the moment they haven’t changed much from that,” he said, referencing the club’s failure to strengthen its backline. The situation has reportedly been exacerbated by the exclusion of five first-team players—Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, and Antony—from squad training sessions. Pardew described this move as counterproductive, stating it sends a “negative signal” to the rest of the team.
The 62-year-old manager drew attention to broader concerns, comparing the club’s strategy to a “fire sale” of talent. “It all hinges on moving these five players,” he emphasized, indicating that unresolved squad dynamics could destabilize preparations for the upcoming season. While disciplinary measures are not uncommon in football, Pardew argued that public alienation of multiple key figures risks fracturing unity within the group, particularly as the club seeks to rebound from recent inconsistent performances.
Manchester United’s defensive record has drawn scrutiny in recent years, with the team conceding 58 goals across all competitions last season—their highest tally in over three decades. Despite managerial changes and tactical adjustments, systemic vulnerabilities persist, leaving analysts questioning the effectiveness of recruitment and development strategies. The exclusion of high-profile attackers like Sancho and Rashford, meanwhile, has sparked debates about man-management approaches under the current leadership.
Pardew’s comments arrive as the club navigates a pivotal offseason, with the 2025-2026 campaign poised to test both squad depth and institutional stability. While relegation remains a statistically remote prospect for a club of United’s stature, the prediction underscores growing unease about their trajectory. As one of England’s most successful teams, their ability to address on-field weaknesses and off-field tensions could determine whether this season marks a resurgence or a historic downturn. For now, Pardew’s assessment serves as a sobering reminder of the Premier League’s competitive intensity—where even giants face scrutiny when form falters.
