It’s proven another testing year for Manchester United supporters, who have witnessed their side slump to new lows throughout the 2024/25 season.
The Red Devils have been disastrous domestically, spending much of the season in the bottom half of the Premier League table and being unceremoniously dumped out of both cup competitions. Erik ten Hag’s dismissal and Ruben Amorim’s arrival has done little to change their fortunes, with patience required at the beginning of a new era.
Yet there can still be some salvation for United. Their European excursions offer hope of silverware come the campaign’s close, while the final two months of the term offer the opportunity to build momentum ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge.
Here are United’s aims for the remainder of 2024/25.
Much like last season, there remains just one route to redemption for United. Their FA Cup triumph at the end of the 2023/24 season helped appease an apathetic fanbase and Europa League success could provide the same relief for the club’s supporters at the end of the current campaign.
United are the only side still unbeaten in the Europa League this season and have performed above their disappointing domestic levels on the continent. Their emphatic last 16 second leg victory over the plucky Real Sociedad proved their credentials ahead of two tricky ties against Lyon.
Paulo Fonseca’s side have been in impressive form since the beginning of February and have the tools required to punish any sloppiness in the United ranks. Progression for the Red Devils would see them face either Rangers – who they beat during the league phase – or Athletic Club in the semis, with Tottenham Hotspur, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio and Bodo/Glimt potential final opponents.
Some extremely talented sides remain in this year’s competition but United have the quality needed to lift the trophy – earning them a crucial place in the Champions League next season as a result.
United will understandably put all their eggs in the Europa League basket between now and the end of the season, but they must still make an attempt to rectify their disappointing Premier League form. The Red Devils’ lowest ever finish in the competition is eighth – suffered last season under Ten Hag – but they can only dream of breaching the top half this term.
Amorim’s men are currently 13th and seven points off tenth-placed Bournemouth with nine games remaining. They will be hard pushed to sneak into the top half between now and the end of May but it remains a possibility if they’re able to continue their recent form.
United have won two and drawn two of their previous four league games and looked much improved against an admittedly woeful Leicester City side last time out. If they can build some momentum in the closing weeks, they could come close to matching last season’s final position.
If nothing else, United can continue their adjustment to Amorim’s philosophy over the next two months. It’s been a tumultuous teething period for the Red Devils under the Portuguese, with players struggling to cope with the demands of a new system and style. Results have reflected their difficulties in changing tack.
But practice makes perfect and Amorim has nine more Premier League games and some European battles to further drill home his ideas. If United are to thrive within the 40-year-old’s 3-4-2-1 formation, then the next eight weeks could prove crucial in establishing some much-needed consistency and momentum.
It’s difficult to predict what constitutes a challenging fixture for United this season. They have taken points off Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City this term, yet have been beaten by Crystal Palace and West Ham United.
On paper, United’s final nine Premier League fixtures are far from straightforward. Duels with Nottingham Forest and Man City come shortly after the international break, with a trip to Newcastle United sandwiched in between European clashes with Lyon.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at home are the easiest things get, with trips to Bournemouth, Brentford and Chelsea far more tricky. The Red Devils host Aston Villa in their Premier League finale.
|
Date |
Fixture |
|---|---|
|
01/04/25 |
Nottingham Forest vs Man Utd |
|
06/04/25 |
Man Utd vs Man City |
|
10/04/25 |
Lyon vs Man Utd (Europa League) |
|
13/04/25 |
Newcastle vs Man Utd |
|
17/04/25 |
Man Utd vs Lyon (Europa League) |
|
20/04/25 |
Man Utd vs Wolves |
|
27/04/25 |
Bournemouth vs Man Utd |
|
03/05/25 |
Brentford vs Man Utd |
|
10/05/25 |
Man Utd vs West Ham |
|
18/05/25 |
Chelsea vs Man Utd |
|
25/05/25 |
Man Utd vs Aston Villa |
