United have now failed to win each of their last four fixtures at Old Trafford.
Gary Neville has taken to Twitter to criticise the impact of the Europa League on the varying ambitions of Premier League clubs.
The much maligned tournament has been subjected to yet more scrutiny this season with Manchester United struggling with the dual demands of domestic and continental competition despite spending an unholy amount of millions reinforcing their squad.
The Red Devils stuttered to a 1-1 home draw with West Ham on Sunday just three days after producing their most impressive attacking performance of the campaign against Feyenoord, meaning United have only won one of their five Premier League games following a European fixture this season, including humiliating defeats to Chelsea and Watford.
Europe’s second tier competition has often been used as a convenient excuse to explain poor domestic form, but United’s current difficulties are not a new phenomenon.
The likes of Everton, Newcastle United and Swansea City have taken part in the Europa League in recent years to the detriment of their league positon, and Neville believes it places too much of a demand on clubs.
This season, the fact that Chelsea and Liverpool will not be playing European football has been viewed as a huge advantage to their title hopes.
However, while the likes of Everton and Newcastle lack the funds to develop a squad strong enough to compete on both fronts, there can surely be no excuse for Manchester United, who have £30 million talents like Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay (below) in reserve.
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