Manchester United’s disappointing home defeat against Everton on Monday was a brutal wake-up call after a promising five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Despite that defeat, Man United are just three points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa heading into their upcoming visit to Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils are rated as 3.75 shots in the latest football betting to finish in the top four, and those odds will be slashed if they enjoy a productive end to the year.
With that in mind, read on as we assess why December offers Ruben Amorim’s side the opportunity to finish their 2025 schedule with a flourish.
West Ham United (H) – December 4
West Ham United have improved under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the Red Devils will fancy their chances of winning this fixture.
Man United have won four of their six home games this season and are the bookmakers’ favourites to pick up three points against the Hammers.
West Ham triumphed 2-0 on their most recent visit to Old Trafford in May, but could struggle to repeat that result on their next visit.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) – December 8
After being defeated twice by Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, the Red Devils will be desperate to set the record straight this time around.
Wolves have collected just two points from their opening 12 games of the season and look destined to drop into the Championship at the end of the season.
They have conceded 27 goals during the early part of the campaign and will struggle to keep United’s forwards quiet at Molineux.
Bournemouth (H) – December 15
United have not defeated Bournemouth in their last four meetings (D2, L2), but can end that disappointing run in their next fixture at Old Trafford.
While Bournemouth are performing reasonably well in the Premier League, recent defeats at Manchester City and Aston Villa highlighted their deficiencies.
If Man United harbour genuine ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League, they cannot afford to drop points at home to Bournemouth.
Aston Villa (A) – December 21
The trip Aston Villa on December 21 is undoubtedly the toughest fixture United face between now and the end of the year.
Villa have put a sticky start to the season behind them to climb up to fourth in the table and are fancied to remain in the upper echelons for the rest of the campaign.
United are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Villa in all competitions (W5, D1) and should be capable of taking at least a point from the game.
Newcastle United (H) – December 26
Newcastle United completed the double over Man United last season, but it would be a brave move to back them to add another win to their tally on Boxing Day.
The Magpies have been inconsistent this season, as evidenced by their recent defeat at Brentford followed by a home victory over Manchester City.
Pre-season talk of Newcastle challenging for a top four finish looks increasingly fanciful and this should be another home win for the Red Devils.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) – December 30
Man United round off their December fixtures against Wolves at Old Trafford, and they are a good bet to end the year on a winning note.
Four home games during the month give United the opportunity to move closer to the top four and set themselves up nicely for the second half of the season.
A 16-point haul is not beyond the realms of possibility if United get their act together over the next few weeks.
