United’s Season on a Knife Edge
Ruben Amorim has faced intense scrutiny since taking over as Manchester United manager in November 2024. With just 10 wins in 34 league games, United’s ambitions of returning to European football hang in the balance.
Now sitting 10th in the Premier League, the next four fixtures could define United's entire season — starting with a daunting trip to Anfield.
1. Liverpool (Away) – October 19
Anfield has been a fortress against United, where they’ve failed to win since 2016. However, the Red Devils managed a 2-2 draw in January 2025, showing resilience despite missing a late winner.
Key Moment Last Season:
Lisandro Martinez gave United a shock lead, with Amad Diallo’s equaliser salvaging a point after Harry Maguire missed a golden chance in stoppage time.
Amorim’s take:
“When we are focused, when we fight, we are a good team. If we don’t do that all the time, we lose.”
This fixture may be the hardest of the four, but ironically, it’s also the only one from which United have recently taken points.
2. Brighton (Home) – October 25
Brighton have made Old Trafford a happy hunting ground, winning three straight Premier League games there.
In their last meeting, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter punished a United side riddled with errors — including a high-profile blunder from Andre Onana.
Amorim’s post-match frustration:
“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.”
The heat will intensify if United fail to improve against a side they’ve consistently struggled with.
3. Nottingham Forest (Away) – November 1
Losing again at the City Ground, especially to former United winger Anthony Elanga, cut deep last season.
Elanga’s solo goal exposed United’s defensive weaknesses and raised questions about Amorim’s tactical judgment.
Fan reaction:
“Ruben Amorim got it wrong yet again. Poor formation, poor substitutions — he’s digging his own grave.”
With United having lost consecutive away games to Forest, this clash could be pivotal in shaking off an unwanted trend.
4. Tottenham (Away) – November 8
Spurs have tormented United, handing them four defeats in 2024/25, including one in the Europa League final. A league double, capped by James Maddison’s early strike, underlined the gap in intensity and execution.
Amorim’s assessment:
“They scored and we didn’t.”
Spurs have become a litmus test for where United really stand among the Premier League elite — and they’ve failed it repeatedly.
Why This Stretch Matters
These next four fixtures represent a critical tipping point. Beat the odds and earn 7+ points, and United could claw their way back into European contention. Struggle, and Amorim’s project could unravel before Christmas.
With the board's backing publicly in place, it’s now down to performances on the pitch.
Conclusion: United at a Crossroads
Manchester United are approaching the most important month of their 2025/26 campaign. Under Ruben Amorim, expectations remain sky-high — but so does the pressure.
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