Manchester United will head into 2026 with their sights firmly set on securing Champions League qualification at the end of the season.
After a topsy-turvy start to his tenure at Old Trafford, manager Ruben Amorim has finally got the Red Devils heading in the right direction.
If United can produce a little more consistency, they are perfectly capable of delivering a winning return to sports bettors who back them to secure a top-four finish.
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United fans will be hoping that fortune smiles on the team, particularly when they go head-to-head with two Premier League title contenders in January.
With that in mind, read on as we assess why the upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal could make-or-break United’s season.
United will be desperate to silence their noisy neighbours
Man City’s emergence as a major force in English football in recent years has rubbed salt into the wounds for United fans.
While United were mopping silverware for fun during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, City barely registered in their thoughts before Sheikh Mansour took over the club.
The appointment of Pep Guardiola as manager proved to be a masterstroke, changing the balance of power in Manchester and the Premier League.
After coming up short in the title race last season, Guardiola has revamped his squad. The changes have worked the oracle, with City looking back to their best this term.
Their 3-0 victory over United at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season highlighted the yawning disparity between the two clubs.
However, United have improved significantly since then, and it will be intriguing to see just how much progress they have made in the reverse fixture on January 17.
Old Trafford will be rocking when City visit, and a home victory would be the perfect way for United to demonstrate they are on the way back.
United’s victory at Liverpool in October demonstrated their ability to come out on top against the so-called best teams in the land.
While Guardiola’s side will provide a much sterner challenge than Liverpool, United are capable of winning the game if they produce their best form.
The Red Devils must snap their Arsenal hoodoo
United’s recent record against Arsenal leaves a lot to be desired. They have lost their last five league meetings with the Gunners and need to snap the streak on January 25.
Having splashed the cash during the summer transfer window, Arsenal are unsurprisingly challenging for the Premier League title.
They are desperate to go one better after three consecutive second-place finishes, yet United have nothing to fear from them when they visit the Emirates Stadium.
You would be hard-pressed to claim that the Gunners have been anything other than functional this season, although their fans will not care if the ends justify the means.
Mikel Arteta’s side have shown sporadic signs of vulnerability this term, and United must capitalise on any opportunities they are handed at the Emirates.
United dominated possession in the reverse fixture earlier this season, but were ultimately punished for their wastefulness as Arsenal claimed a 1-0 victory.
Taking points off each of the title contenders is an achievable aim for the Red Devils and would cement the belief that they are capable of securing Champions League qualification.
