By Victor Kanayo
Chelsea and Manchester United ended 2024 in defeats after both clubs lost their Monday night fixtures to Ipswich and Newcastle respectively, with the same 0–2 margin in the English Premier League.
For United, it was a fourth consecutive loss under new coach Reuben Amorim, a result that has certainly put his job on the line unless results begin to improve.
The Portuguese manager has won just two of his first nine league games, leaving United languishing in 14th place, just seven points above the relegation zone.
A third consecutive home league defeat for the first time since 1979 is the latest in a series of sorry statistics that have marked United’s decade of decline.
United are expected to face league leaders Liverpool on Sunday before travelling to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round thereafter.
Chelsea, after encountering a second defeat in a row, have further dented their Premier League title ambitions.
The defeat compounds Chelsea’s woes, marking back-to-back losses after their recent goalless draw at Everton ended an eight-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Ipswich’s crucial win lifts them out of the relegation zone, moving above Leicester City into 18th place and within a point of Wolves.
