Man United host Brighton and visit Nottingham Forest and Tottenham in their next three Premier League games. Recent history does not make happy reading.
Ruben Amorim reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield
Ruben Amorim will hope to build on Manchester United's fine win over Liverpool last time out
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Manchester United fans would be forgiven for looking at their next three Premier League fixtures and letting out a shudder.
A home game with Brighton and trips to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham have not been happy occasions in recent seasons.
The Reds have lost the corresponding fixture in each of the last two campaigns, with Brighton actually winning on each of their last three visits to Old Trafford.
United haven't avoided defeat in any of those fixtures since a 2-2 draw at Spurs in April 2023 and even then they threw away a two goal lead.
The 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns saw United lose all six of these corresponding games by an aggregate of 12-3.
So for all the positivity around Old Trafford following the superb victory at Anfield last time out, Ruben Amorim will know it will count for little if United can't follow it up with a positive result or two across the next few weeks.
This period before the November international break feels pivotal for United and Amorim. If they can piece together an unbeaten run, and remain in touch with the top six, then there will be plenty to play for when the fixtures come thick and fast over the winter.
But if the victory at Liverpool is not built on, then the pressure will once again ramp up on the manager and the fortnight break for domestic football will prompt speculation and conjecture around the future.
United cannot afford to keep taking one step forward and two back. No-one knows this more than Amorim.
"It means a lot today but tomorrow it won't mean a lot," he said after the final whistle at Anfield.
The challenge now is to build a brighter future. Beating the champions is a significant yet small step. Great teams do more.
"If we show the spirit we did today, in training and in games, we will win so many games," said Amorim after the win over Arne Slot's side.
"But for that we need to take action. Now we must focus on Brighton."
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