Can Manchester United’s season be saved?

Much can be said of Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous Manchester United tenure thus far, but you’ve got to credit how he’s made his side show up in high-stakes clashes.

After his first four months in charge, the head coach has managed 18 Premier League matches, overseeing six wins, four draws and eight losses. He won twice in the FA Cup before being knocked out on penalties against Fulham.

In Europe meanwhile, the Portuguese and his team are awaiting a Europa League quarter-final tie against Olympique Lyonnais starting with a first leg clash in France. This article will assess his start so far and look ahead at what’s to come.

Big Six Record

While there has been an undoubtedly lengthy list of questionable results, with Bournemouth, Brighton and Crystal Palace all taking maximum points at Old Trafford, Amorim has picked up respectable results when vying with the Premier League’s ‘big six’.

For example, a scintillating, Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes-inspired turnaround at the Etihad last December saw Amorim reign victorious in his first-ever Manchester derby, overturning the reigning league winners on their own soil after the 88th minute.

Then, under a month later, Amorim’s Red Devils took to Anfield to lock horns with a rampant Liverpool outfit who were out for blood – yet proceeded to score their first goal at the stadium since 2018. Arne Slot’s men clawed their way back into the game through a Cody Gakpo leveller before taking the lead from the penalty spot with Mohamed Salah, after which Amad came to the rescue yet again to claim a pivotal point on the road.

When United welcomed Arsenal to the Theatre of Dreams earlier this month, they were by far the underdogs to take anything from the match – despite holding a home advantage. However, Fernandes fired in a sensational free-kick, prompting United to dominate the majority of the affair before ultimately settling for a point when Declan Rice drew the Gunners level in the closing stages.

More recently, United narrowly lost to Nottingham Forest, this season’s surprise package, but it wasn’t going to dent the team’s plans heading into the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Form often goes out the window when two rivals go head-to-head and, with the fierce home support behind them, the Red Devils stood tall and held City who themselves have endured a massively disappointing campaign. The result proved that United are a match for the sides occupying the top spots this season and it’s against the clubs lower down the table where they have to show more nous.

Europa League Hopes

With United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, the team and fans alike will be putting all their hopes on the Europa League. Winning the tournament would see United play in the Champions League next season and so the knockout competition is of massive importance.

According to various bookmakers, the Red Devils are second favourites to win this campaign’s tournament behind Spanish side Athletic Bilbao. When it comes to backing United, there are a range of bonuses to explore here, and you can compare and assess different platforms to find the one that best suits your preferences. The odds will alter depending on the first leg results and who progresses so be sure to keep an eye out on which teams go through.

After defeating Real Sociedad 4-1 at home, United now face Olympique Lyon. A team which has found themselves fighting for Champions League places in Ligue 1 fresh after a 2-1 win against LOSC Lille. This could play in United’s hands as they can’t rotate in their next Ligue 1 match.

Should Man United get the better of Lyon, Amorim’s side will come up against Bilbao or Rangers. The Spaniards are currently the favourites to win the Europa League after their form in La Liga, but not only for that. Athletic Bilbao will be home if they advance to the final which would be an incredible reward to their values.

A place in the final awaits where the Red Devils could meet Lazio, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bodo/Glimt or Premier League rivals Tottenham who have endured a similarly dismal campaign and will also be hoping for a get out via Europe.

What’s to Come in the Premier League?

Whilst all the eggs will be in the EL basket, there is still seven Premier League games to be played. Starting with a tough fixture against Newcastle United which is sandwiched between the Olympique Lyon games.

After that, Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford and West Ham United follows. These games are seen the perfect opportunity to give a chance to youth and see who has the metal to be part of the team next season.

Before the end of the campaign, United will travel to Stamford Bridge, which will mark Amorim’s first meeting with Enzo Maresca; Ruud van Nistelrooy was in charge the last time the sides clashed back in November – also ending in a 1-1 draw.  Amorim and his side will be keen to get at Chelsea in a bid to frustrate and get the better of the West Londoners.

The last match will be against Aston Villa at home which will draw the curtains on a disappointing Premier League season.

Overall, Manchester United should feel hopeful that the side is already battling against the fellow big boys in the league and should improve next season with reinforcements under Amorim. However, this season could still end with elation with a win in the Europe League and qualification to the Champions League.