Ruben Amorim has been told he needs to prove himself as a coach at Manchester United, after being backed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe - but will he and he said be able to do so before Christmas?
The INEOS boss shared that he would give Amorim three years and compared his start at United to that of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Ratcliffe's comments on The Times' "The Business" Podcast has caused a stir and begs the question - can the head coach turn things around?
United's upcoming fixtures:
- v Liverpool (A) - Sunday October 18
- v Brighton (H) - Saturday October 26
- v Nottingham Forest (A) - Saturday November 1
- v Tottenham Hotspur (A) - Saturday November 8
- v Everton (H) - Monday November 24
- v Crystal Palace (A) - Sunday 30 November
- v West Ham (H) - Wednesday December 3
- v Wolves (A) - Saturday December 6
- v Bournemouth (H) - Saturday December 13
- v Aston Villa (A) - Saturday December 20
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Which fixtures could be a big task for Amorim & Co.?
It's going to be a tough opener after the international break, when the Red Devils travel to Anfield.
Facing the reigning champions on their own turf will be challenging, despite the turn in Liverpool's recent form.
They've faced three consecutive defeats in all competitions recently - 2-1 losses to both Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the Premier League, and a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
This will give Manchester United a form of blind hope that they too can pull out a result against Liverpool, but they will need to work hard.
Amorim's first fixture as head coach against The Reds came in January 2025, away at Anfield , where it ended in a 2-2 draw.
Coming away with a point then is a good sign, but with United's recent form, that past result has to be taken with a pinch of salt.
And right now, Opta are predicting a slim 11.2% victory rate for United.
Other fixtures that right now will make Amorim & Co pull their socks up for will be Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Spur's have had their own turnaround this season under Thomas Frank's leadership, they sit in the top five in the table and United will have to travel to North London with the hopes of taking three points.
Crystal Palace are also on a high right now - a recent victory over Liverpool will boost their confidence further.
Despite all the background noise around transfers, notably Marc Guehi's future, The Eagles have three wins in their last five games.
Andoni Iraola's side are also in the top current league top five, as Bournemouth are unbeaten in seven. Their only loss came in the opening game of the season against Liverpool.
Their results are ones to watch, but United could feel some relief in knowing they'll face them at Old Trafford.
The other fixtures Amorim must prepare for can be considered uncertain as results can go either way, but United cannot afford to lose.
The head coach has already warned of players' lack of urgency and said they must "not pick and choose" when they show up.
He will need his team to show up at every opportunity in order to not only prove Amorim is fit enough to lead Manchester United, but to also bring hope back to the fans of a return to the top.
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