UMVA has learned that a stunning reversal of fortune has taken place in the English Premier League, with Liverpool and Manchester United experiencing a dramatic shift in their fortunes over the past 12 months.
The graphic tells the tale: Liverpool's points swing of -24 from 2024-25 to 2025-26 is one of the worst in the Premier League this season, while Manchester United's swing of +29 is the best. This 53-point gulf between the two most decorated clubs in English football is a role reversal with few parallels in the modern era.
Liverpool's downfall is a shocking tale of decline. Last season, they won the title with 84 points and Mohamed Salah finished as the league's top scorer. But this season, they limped to the finish line with 60 points, finishing fifth and scraping into Champions League football only on goal difference.
Manchester United's resurgence is a remarkable story of transformation. After finishing 15th with just 42 points in 2024-25, their lowest league position since 1989-90, they ended this campaign in third place with 71 points, back in the Champions League. The appointment of Michael Carrick on January 13 was the catalyst for their transformation.
Carrick wasted no time in turning United's fortunes around, winning 11 of his 16 league games in charge and beating top teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea along the way. United's fans went from fearing relegation to securing Champions League football with games to spare.
Liverpool's decline is harder to explain, with the squad that dominated the division a year ago failing to fire. Despite spending half a billion pounds in the summer transfer market, they were unable to replicate their previous success. The departures of key players will now define a significant transition period at Anfield.
As the dust settles on the season, one thing is certain: something needs to change at Liverpool FC, and it needs to be done fast. The question on everyone's lips is: will Arne Slot be sacked, or can he turn the team's fortunes around?
