Favorable schedule paves the way for MU to return to top 4
A five-match unbeaten run has seen MU climb to seventh place with 18 points, just two behind Chelsea. The six-game schedule before Christmas is seen as a springboard for them to break into the top four.
Manchester United are on the brink of a top-four finish in the Premier League thanks to a five-match unbeaten run and a favourable run of fixtures before Christmas. The Red Devils are currently seventh with 18 points, two points behind third-placed Chelsea, with the Champions League places only a few small stumbles away.
The gap between 3rd place (Chelsea) and 10th place (Crystal Palace) is just 3 points. Arsenal and Man City are almost certain to take the top two positions, but the remaining two places are wide open for any team that can take advantage of the fast-paced winter season.
Rivalry picture: heavy schedule and evenly spread risks
Manchester United's direct opponents are all entering a difficult streak:
- Chelsea: Burnley, Arsenal, Leeds, Bournemouth, Everton, Newcastle. Arsenal and Newcastle are two tough tests, while Leeds and Bournemouth can cause trouble at home.
- Sunderland(4th): Face Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle in three consecutive weeks – a period that could see them fall out of the competition if they lack consistency.
- Tottenham: Consecutive clashes with Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool – a density that could cause Spurs to drop points in key matches.
- Aston Villa(6th place): against Brighton, Arsenal, West Ham and Manchester United – a very unpredictable schedule in terms of points.
- Liverpool: The schedule is easier in theory, but the performance is not as stable as last season so the ability to accelerate is still a question mark.
- Bournemouth and Crystal Palace: all have tough matches against Chelsea, Man United, Man City and Brighton.
Manchester United's 6-match pre-Christmas schedule
While their opponents are facing big challenges, Manchester United have a series of matches that are considered to be at an average level - enough to create leverage into the top 4.
| Match | Note |
|---|---|
| Everton | Home yard |
| Crystal Palace | Away |
| West Ham | Home yard |
| Wolves | Away |
| Bournemouth | Home yard |
| Aston Villa | Villa Park (away) |
This is a pivotal sequence where United could well aim for 12-14 points. From their current 18 points, achieving this target would take them to 30-32 points – enough to squeeze into the top four in a context where direct rivals are constantly facing each other.
Tactical perspective and mentality under Ruben Amorim
United have gradually established their style of play and shown greater stability. In addition to the 18-point foundation in a volatile league, the positive spirit in tense matches is also a plus when entering the winter schedule. The match against Aston Villa at Villa Park is considered an important yardstick: both in terms of points and in terms of affirming the trajectory of progress.
Immediate impact on the top 4 race
With just three points separating third and tenth place, every round could turn things around. Chelsea, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Sunderland are all at risk of dropping points against strong opponents. If United make good use of their six-game run – especially home games against Everton, West Ham and Bournemouth – they could climb into the top four before Christmas.
Key numbers
- 5 unbeaten matches – a boost for the acceleration phase.
- Position: 7th, 18 points – just 2 points behind Chelsea (3rd).
- The gap from 3rd to 10th place is only 3 points – the race is open.
- Target 12-14 points in the next 6 matches - leverage to break into the top group.
The golden moment has opened. The rest depends on the ability to take advantage of favorable conditions and maintain the playing tempo that Manchester United has just found again.
