- Can Manchester United qualify for the Champions League?
- Jason Wilcox set the goal after the Leeds game
- Ruben Amorim’s dismal, and Michael Carrick’s rise
Ruben Amorim’s departure was confirmed on January 4th after the Portuguese head coach openly criticised the United board in his post-match press conference against Leeds United.
His final words? “I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach. And that is clear. I am the manager of Manchester United. It is going to be like this for 18 months, or when the board decide to change. I am not going to quit.”
That marked the final time Amorim spoke publicly, with the Portuguese coach dismissed just 12 hours later. A few days later, Director of Football Jason Wilcox informed players that a return to the Champions League is the goal, not the aim.
It feels like a peculiar moment in a season defined by unrest.
United sit just three points off Liverpool in fourth—and remain behind Chelsea only on goal difference in fifth—yet Champions League qualification still feels distant.
Three months on, and the picture has shifted entirely. United now look set not only to return to Europe’s premier competition, but to do so with authority as they push for third place.
Next up: the return clash with Leeds—the same opponent that preceded Amorim’s exit and ushered in Carrick’s appointment.
How Three Months can Change
Under the guidance of interim manager Michael Carrick, United have surged back into life.
Operating within a refined 4-2-3-1 system, players now feature in roles that better suit their natural profiles, with Fernandes, Mainoo, and Casemiro all thriving in a more balanced three-man midfield.
Bruno Fernandes, in particular, has benefited from the shift, enjoying greater freedom in an advanced role, with the Portuguese captain contributing eight assists and three goals across Carrick’s 10 games in charge.
He now sits just four assists short of matching the single-season Premier League record of 20, held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
However, the most significant aspect of Carrick’s tenure has been the restoration of belief—both within the squad and across the fanbase.
Just 98 days ago, on 5 January—the day Ruben Amorim lost his job—the mood around Old Trafford hit its lowest point.
Now, a genuine sense of momentum is building again. 10 games, seven wins, two draws, and just one loss.
United have surged up the table—from seventh when Michael Carrick took charge to third now—and the prospect of UEFA Champions League football returning to Old Trafford next season feels very real.
A win tonight against Leeds United would not only serve as a statement victory over one of their fiercest rivals, but would also move them three points clear of Aston Villa, six ahead of Liverpool, and a full 10 points above Chelsea.
Avoid a complete capitulation, and Europe’s premier competition returns to Old Trafford’s doorstep.
Seven fixtures to go
There are seven games remaining for the Reds. Leeds, Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion are all on the horizon.
United need four wins to secure fifth or higher. Handle business now, and they take control of their own finish. Slip up, and they leave the door open for everyone chasing.
98 days ago, Champions League football felt out of reach for United fans. Tonight, they could stand on the verge of making it a reality.
