Manchester misery: Champion United loses 2-1 to West Brom as City is beaten 3-2 at Villa

LONDON – Five months after winning a 20th English title, Manchester United finds itself in the unusual position of being in the bottom half of the Premier League standings.

The only solace for United after losing to West Bromwich Albion at home for the first time in 35 years was neighbour City endured misery too by losing at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The sluggish start to United’s title defence has seen new manager David Moyes collect just seven points from a possible 18 to languish six points behind provisional leader Tottenham.

Although Wayne Rooney cancelled out Morgan Amalfitano’s stylish solo goal, Saido Berahino clinched a 2-1 victory for West Brom at Old Trafford, adding to the gloom in the post-Alex Ferguson era.

Last weekend City had been toasting derby glory over United, but was brought down to earth by a 3-2 loss at Villa.

City twice threw away the lead before Andreas Weimann struck Villa’s winner to leave the visitors without an away win this season.

“We played very well and deserved to win, but in five minutes (Villa scored twice and) we threw away everything good we did in the rest of the match,” City manager Manuel Pellegrini said. “The way we lost this game was incredible. We led twice and we had control of the game.”

City is just three points behind Tottenham, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea and occupied top spot ahead of Arsenal’s late match at Swansea.

Even promoted Cardiff and Hull are above United.

Cardiff won its first away match of the season 2-1 at Fulham, and Hull edged West Ham 1-0.

But another newcomer, Crystal Palace, lost 2-0 at Southampton, to remain next-from-bottom. Sunderland is lodged to the bottom on one point ahead of Sunday’s game against Liverpool.