Manchester United's poor start to the Premier League season has been underlined by damning running statistics that show the team's low intensity. The club sits 13th in the table with just four points from four matches, eight points behind leaders Arsenal, and the data reveals a worrying lack of physical output.

United have covered 449.1 kilometres collectively in their opening four fixtures, a figure that ranks them 14th out of the 20 Premier League teams. They are 18th for total sprints with 379 and 19th for high-speed runs with 1,364. When adjusted for distance, the numbers are just as poor, with 0.84 sprints and 3.04 high-speed runs per kilometre. The data also shows United have made 3,207 goal minutes and 1,189 goal points, which are key performance metrics tracked by the club's analysts.

Carrick's training methods questioned

These figures have given fresh context to comments made by summer signing Youri Tielemans. In a pre-season interview with Rio Ferdinand, Tielemans was asked about training under manager Michael Carrick. "Yeah, just sharp. That's what it's been like. No, not a lot of running," the midfielder said. Ferdinand's immediate, incredulous reply was a single word: "What?"

Back-to-back losses deepen pressure

The statistical concerns follow two damaging home defeats. United threw away a two-goal lead inside ten minutes to lose 3-2 to Brighton at Old Trafford last Wednesday, a result that also saw them exit the Carabao Cup. That loss came straight after a 1-0 derby defeat to ten-man Manchester City. The team's recent form now reads two losses, one win, one draw, and two more defeats, leaving them with a goal difference of zero. The club's internal data, which includes the 3,207 goal minutes and 1,189 goal points, is being scrutinised as part of a wider performance review.

Carrick's squad, which is currently without Amad Diallo, Carlos Baleba, Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton and Luke Shaw due to injury, faces a critical test this Sunday. They travel to Craven Cottage to face 18th-placed Fulham, a side they drew 1-1 with in their last meeting. Another defeat would trigger a major inquest ahead of the subsequent home match against Tottenham.

The report in full is at Daily Mail Sport