Manchester United haven't performed so poorly away from home for 20 years.
The last time they started this badly away from home in 1989-90, Sir Alex Ferguson's side finished only five places above the drop zone in 13th.
Steve Bruce and Mike Phelan, both on the touchline at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, were in that 1989 team who drew with Crystal Palace and lost to Derby and Norwich before an infamous 5-1 thrashing at Manchester City.