Manchester United’s 4-1 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday moved them up to sixth place in the Premier League standings.
The Red Devils are now just one point adrift of fourth-placed Crystal Palace and could feasibly move ahead of them this weekend.
Intriguingly, leading bookmakers are still tipping United to finish sixth. They are rated as 3/1 shots in the latest online football betting to secure a top-four spot.
Those odds could disappear over the next few weeks, with the upcoming fixture list giving United every chance of climbing the standings.
Read on as we assess what’s on the agenda for the Red Devils and why they could be in a Champions League place when they face Manchester City and Arsenal in January.
Pre-Christmas games could shake up the table
Ruben Amorim’s side return to Old Trafford next Monday for a potentially tricky encounter against Bournemouth.
The Cherries are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with United (W2, D2), and will be eager to upset the odds again.
However, they are currently on a six-game winless streak, and this is the type of fixture United should be winning given the strength of their squad.
United’s visit to Aston Villa on December 21 could be problematic. Villa are third in the table, just three points behind leaders Arsenal.
Despite Villa’s current position, this fixture represents a massive opportunity for United. A win at Villa Park could move them to within two points of their opponents.
The festive schedule should be productive for United
The hectic festive period is renowned for significantly affecting issues at both ends of the table, and this year is likely to continue in the same vein.
United face Newcastle United (H), Wolves (H) and Leeds United (A) in ten days. A nine-point haul is not beyond them.
Newcastle have been hit-and-miss this season, but will take heart from a record of five wins in their last six outings against the Red Devils.
Despite this, Amorim’s side are perfectly capable of collecting three points against a team which has triumphed just once on the road this term.
The fixtures against Wolves and Leeds are also extremely winnable, and should leave United well-placed to qualify for the Champions League.
Big games loom large after trip to Burnley
If things go to plan over the next few weeks, the Red Devils should be inside the top four by the time they visit Burnley on January 7.
That game should hold no fears for United, given that the Clarets look destined to return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight.
Three points at Turf Moor would set United up nicely for blockbuster tests against Manchester City (H) and Arsenal (A).
There is a fanciful scenario in which the club could actually be in the title race by the end of January.
For all the criticism Amorim has received, it is worth noting that only fine margins have prevented United from already being in the conversation.
Dropped points against Everton and West Ham United are among several elements which have held United back this season.
However, pondering what might have been serves no purpose. The team must focus on the glorious opportunity ahead of them.
Forcing their way into the title battle is probably asking too much, but muscling their way into the top four is an achievable aim.
