The statistics in football can be a tricky indicator of future success, with a friend once likening them to the refuge of scoundrels. As the Premier League takes a break, enthusiasts have the opportunity to delve into the numbers and standings from the first 11 matches of the season.

Looking back at history, out of 33 seasons, the team leading after 11 games has clinched the title in 16 instances. This means that 17 times, the early table-toppers have not gone on to lift the Premier League trophy. Interestingly, Arsenal holds the record for failing to convert their 11-game lead into a championship title on five occasions.

In the current 2022/23 season, Arsenal finds themselves ahead of Manchester City by four points, mirroring a similar scenario in a previous season where Manchester City eventually emerged as champions. These statistics, while intriguing, do not guarantee a team’s success in winning the title.

Notably, only twice has a team overcome an eight-point deficit after 11 games to claim the Premier League crown. This demonstrates that teams trailing early on are not to be discounted in the title race, including Manchester United, who currently sit on 18 points.

Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, have a favorable fixture list ahead with a string of ten Premier League games in the coming weeks. Despite facing squads with European and EFL Cup commitments, United’s recent performances, bolstered by key players like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, suggest a team gaining belief in their system and winning mentality.

While bookmakers place United’s title odds between 33-1 and 50-1, history has shown that teams like Manchester United have defied the odds before. With past examples of teams staging comebacks from early deficits to claim the title, United’s resurgence under Amorim could make them an intriguing bet for punters.

Join the MAN UTD WhatsApp community for exclusive content and updates from Mirror Football, and take advantage of Sky’s discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season to catch over 1,400 live matches across various sports including the Premier League. Sky continues to be a prime destination for sports fans with a lineup of live broadcasts including Premier League games, Formula 1, darts, golf, and more.