Manchester, UK – October 17, 2025 — Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim faces a defining moment as his team returns to Premier League action this weekend. With four crucial matches ahead — starting against Liverpool — the coming weeks could determine the course of United’s season and Amorim’s future at Old Trafford.
United’s recent 2-0 victory over Sunderland offered a rare display of dominance and briefly eased pressure on the Portuguese coach after a humiliating loss to Brentford. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since reaffirmed his support, saying it could take up to three years for Amorim to rebuild the squad — much like Sir Alex Ferguson did in his early days.
“When we are focused and fight for every ball, we are a good team,” Amorim said after the Sunderland match. “If we don’t, we lose.”
Despite that win, United remain 10th on the table — only their second time in the top half this season. According to Premier League data, the team has won just ten of its last 34 matches since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag.
Tough Anfield Test Starts the Run
United travel to Anfield on Sunday for a clash many expect them to lose. They have not beaten Liverpool there since 2016, when Wayne Rooney scored the winner. The match could set the tone for the next three fixtures — against Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur.
In January 2024, United managed a 2-2 draw at Anfield, with goals from Lisandro Martínez and Amad Diallo. After that, however, they faltered badly. Against Brighton at Old Trafford, goalkeeper André Onana’s blunder handed the visitors a 3-1 victory.
“Imagine what this is for a Manchester United fan,” Amorim fumed after the loss. “We might be the worst team in the club’s history.”
Fans on BBC Sport echoed his frustration, saying United looked disjointed and lacked purpose.
For an in-depth look at United’s recent struggles, read Manchester United’s season analysis on Sauce.co.ke.
Forest and Spurs Present Fresh Challenges
United’s trip to Nottingham Forest last season ended in another setback. Former United winger Anthony Elanga, sold in 2023 for £15 million, scored the only goal in a 1-0 loss. Amorim admitted his team’s poor focus cost them the game, saying they “cannot concede such goals.”
Supporters were unforgiving, with one posting on BBC Sport: “Amorim got it wrong again — poor formation, poor choices, no adaptability.”
The final fixture in this crucial run sees United face Tottenham Hotspur away. Spurs have beaten United four times since Amorim took charge, including a devastating loss in last season’s Europa League Final.
“They scored, and we didn’t,” Amorim said simply after a 1-0 defeat in February.
Fight for Stability and Identity
The Old Trafford hierarchy insists Amorim needs time to re-establish the club’s identity. However, this four-match stretch will test that patience. Failure to improve could erase Ratcliffe’s goodwill and force yet another reset in United’s long-term project.
Amorim’s mission remains clear — push United into the European spots and restore the team’s pride. With Liverpool, Brighton, Forest, and Spurs looming, his tenure could hinge on how his side performs in the coming month.
