Amorim's Make-or-Break Moment: Rating Man Utd's Crucial Five-Game Gauntlet That Could Seal His Fate

Manchester United are anxious for the Ruben Amorim experiment to work out, but there has to be a moment when cutting ties becomes the sole alternative.

During his tenure, the Red Devils have secured merely eight wins from 31 Premier League matches. Four of those triumphs came against teams that had just been promoted, including the 3–2 win over Burnley prior to the September international window, which likely preserved his position following an embarrassing Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town.

The organization once more attempted to satisfy their coach by spending heavily and revitalizing his attack during the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, Amorim still lacks a central midfield partnership suitable for his system, and his inflexible approach will continue to be exploited unless he adds some variations.

With no European competition and domestic cup matches absent until January, the 2025–26 season will represent the briefest campaign in Man Utd's recent era. United face just one match per week for the near future, which ought to benefit the struggling manager. However, their coming fixtures present challenges, and Amorim faces a battle to remain in charge until the October international break.

Here's how Sports Illustrated evaluates their upcoming five Premier League matches by level of difficulty.

5. Sunderland (H) – October 4

Currently, no fixture presents an easy task for Amorim's Manchester United. The Burnley match demonstrated this reality.

Therefore, while a home encounter against newly-promoted Sunderland looks favorable in theory, the Black Cats' solid beginning following their long-awaited return to the top division means the Red Devils must guard against suffering a potentially career-ending loss.

Regis Le Bris' team displays physicality and strength with threatening offensive weapons as well. Their summer transfer activity ensures they'll stay competitive throughout 2025–26, and they'll believe they can achieve one of those 'unforgettable victories at Old Trafford' that numerous teams have claimed in recent seasons.

This represents Man Utd's 'simplest' upcoming match theoretically, yet it's potentially the most perilous.

4. Brentford (A) – September 27

Predictions of a Brentford downfall following their summer departures have proven premature, as Keith Andrews, who faces the difficult job of replacing Thomas Frank, has appeared capable in his managerial role thus far.

The Irishman can only maintain the structure established by his predecessor, though he's managing a squad that lost its most effective players before 2025–26. Still, the Bees' 'promote from within' approach has allowed Kevin Schade and Igor Thiago to step up, and crucially, they remain difficult opponents at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Many will recall the Erik ten Hag-supervised 4–0 loss during the second weekend of the 2022–23 campaign, and United have both drawn and lost in west London subsequently. The early kickoff time might favor them, but Amorim's team must overcome some psychological barriers to succeed against the determined Bees.

3. Brighton & Hove Albion (H) – October 25

Fabian Húrzeler's Seagulls have experienced an extremely disappointing beginning to the 2025–26 season. Brighton & Hove Albion managed to surrender points against Fulham and Everton during the opening two weeks, before delivering a shocking late victory over Manchester City at the Amex.

An intensely fought battle with Bournemouth resulted in defeat over the weekend, leaving them tied on points with Man Utd. Nevertheless, the standings could change dramatically before they arrive at Old Trafford on October 25.

There's a strong possibility Amorim won't hold his position when this match occurs, and he might prefer to exit before Brighton claim their customary victory at the Theatre of Dreams. They've triumphed in their last three visits.

2. Chelsea (H) – September 20

This fixture once represented a clash that shaped the Premier League campaign. Today, Manchester United vs. Chelsea evokes nostalgic sadness, as supporters remember far more spectacular versions.

The Blues are performing adequately, however. Enzo Maresca led them to fourth place last season, and they'll aim to solidify their top-four/five position this term. A championship bid is likely beyond their reach, with sufficient evidence from the first four weeks supporting this assessment.

While Liverpool and Arsenal represent the current elite, Chelsea and Manchester City occupy the level beneath. They possess abundant talent, though their injury circumstances aren't optimal.

Although Man Utd have suffered defeats in both encounters against fellow 'Big Six' clubs at the season's start, this type of match saw them excel under Amorim last campaign. Despite United's disappointing form, they shouldn't be completely dismissed against the Blues this weekend.

1. Liverpool (A) – October 19

Man Utd's display at Anfield last season stands among their finest under the current manager.

The Red Devils played with energy and organization rarely witnessed under Amorim, earning their 2–2 draw through merit. Indeed, Harry Maguire squandered a golden opportunity in stoppage time to secure victory.

It marked their strongest showing at Liverpool's ground in considerable time, with their most recent win coming under Louis van Gaal's guidance in 2016.

The Reds have transformed significantly since last season's title success and haven't discovered their rhythm despite their record-breaking summer expenditure. Arne Slot might have identified the ideal formula by the time Man Utd visit following the October international window, which could present the perfect opportunity to part ways with Amorim if United's matches against Chelsea, Brentford and Sunderland continue their suffering.