How United’s next five Premier League fixtures compare to some of their rivals after the international breakRuben Amorim continues to be under pressure at Manchester UnitedRuben Amorim continues to be under pressure at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim was at least able to breathe a significant sigh of relief before the previous international break.

The Manchester United manager had been under severe pressure going into the home game against Sunderland, with an abject 3-1 defeat at Brentford sparking renewed speculation over his future.

However, his team responded with a 2-0 win over the Black Cats. While the performance was still far from United’s standards, the result eased some tension around Old Trafford. Sitting tenth in the Premier League, things no longer look quite as bleak as they did a few weeks ago as the side now prepares for a trip to Liverpool.

Amorim has also received a couple of boosts during the break. United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly backed the Portuguese coach despite his underwhelming overall record, while captain Bruno Fernandes reaffirmed his commitment to the club.

With that in mind — and when comparing fixtures — it remains difficult to pinpoint exactly what United should be targeting this season.

Reports suggest Fernandes is determined to help United secure a Champions League spot by the end of the campaign, with the top five sides in the division expected to qualify.

So, while it may feel a touch optimistic right now, here’s a look at Manchester United’s next five league fixtures, compared with those of the teams they’re likely to be competing against for European qualification.

Manchester United

  • Sunday, October 19 — Liverpool (A), 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 25 — Brighton (H), 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 1 — Nottingham Forest (A), 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 8 — Tottenham Hotspur (A), 12:30 p.m.
  • Monday, November 24 — Everton (H), 8 p.m.

Tottenham Hotspur

  • Sunday, October 19 — Aston Villa (H), 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 26 — Everton (A), 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 1 — Chelsea (H), 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 8 — Manchester United (H), 12:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 23 — Arsenal (A), 4:30 p.m.

Chelsea

  • Saturday, October 18 — Nottingham Forest (A), 12:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 25 — Sunderland (H), 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 1 — Tottenham (A), 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 8 — Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 22 — Burnley (H), 12:30 p.m.

Newcastle United

  • Saturday, October 18 — Brighton (A), 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 25 — Fulham (H), 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 2 — West Ham (A), 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 9 — Brentford (A), 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 22 — Manchester City (H), 5:30 p.m.

Aston Villa

  • Sunday, October 19 — Tottenham (A), 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 26 — Manchester City (H), 2 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 1 — Liverpool (A), 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 9 — Bournemouth (H), 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 23 — Leeds (A), 2 p.m.