The run-in is where seasons are decided, and Manchester United’s remaining fixtures include some of the hardest games in the calendar. Here is the definitive ranking of the seven toughest fixtures left on United’s schedule — from the merely difficult to the genuinely daunting.
7. Tottenham Hotspur (A) — The Least Bad of the Hard Ones
Spurs away is never easy, but of the seven fixtures on this list, it is the most winnable. Tottenham’s home form has been patchy, and United’s record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is better than most people think. A point would be acceptable; three would be a statement.
6. Chelsea (H) — The Home Comfort
Chelsea at Old Trafford is a fixture United usually win, and the home crowd will expect nothing less. But Chelsea’s young side is improving, and they have already beaten United once this season. Do not take this one for granted.
5. Newcastle United (A) — The St James’ Test
St James’ Park is one of the loudest grounds in the country, and Newcastle at home are a different proposition to Newcastle away. United’s record there is mixed, and the atmosphere will be hostile. A draw would be a good result.
4. Bayern Munich (H) — The European Night
Bayern at Old Trafford is the kind of fixture that defines a season. The German champions are one of the best teams in Europe, and they will bring a squad full of world-class players. But Old Trafford on a European night is a special place, and United have a history of rising to the occasion. This is the one to circle on the calendar.
3. Arsenal (A) — The Emirates Test
Arsenal away is one of the hardest fixtures in the Premier League. The Gunners are title contenders, the Emirates is a fortress, and United’s record there in recent years is poor. A point would be a result; a win would be a season-defining moment.
2. Manchester City (A) — The Derby
The Manchester derby at the Etihad is the biggest game in the city, and one of the biggest in the country. City are the champions, and they are formidable at home. United’s record at the Etihad is better than most — they have won there in recent seasons — but this is still the second-toughest fixture on the list.
1. Liverpool (A) — The Hardest of Them All
Anfield is the hardest place to go in English football, and Liverpool are the hardest team to beat. The atmosphere, the history, the rivalry — everything about this fixture is daunting. United’s record at Anfield in recent years is poor, and a point would be a triumph. This is the toughest remaining fixture of the season, and it is not close.
The Bottom Line
The run-in is tough, but it is not impossible. United have already shown they can win the big games — the Roma comeback proved that — and the squad is improving. The key will be fitness: check our Man Utd injury news page for the latest, and see the season so far for the full picture. For the complete schedule, here is the full fixtures list.
