Manchester United's stop-start first half of the Premier League season risks unravelling into one colossal missed opportunity. Without the burden of European football this campaign and following a substantial £230 million summer spending spree, a coveted Champions League place appeared to be theirs for the taking. Yet a pattern of squandered chances, baffling second-half performances, and a lack of consistent direction under manager Ruben Amorim could see them pay a heavy price.
A Tale of False Dawns and Fading Leads
The year 2025 concluded with United reaching 50 Premier League points, a marginal improvement that still left them trailing the likes of Brentford, Brighton, and Aston Villa. Their final match of the year, a draw against bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers, was emblematic of their frustrations. It represented a missed chance to climb into both fifth and fourth place, a recurring theme this season.
With nine rival English clubs juggling European commitments, and fifth place likely to offer a Champions League berth, United's lighter schedule presented a golden chance. However, they have struggled to capitalise. In sequences where league games arrive quickly, they have won just one of four such matches, all against teams in the bottom six. Furthermore, from their last ten league fixtures—none against last season's top four—they have secured only three victories.
Systemic Issues Under Amorim's Leadership
Specific, persistent problems are hampering progress. The team exhibits a troubling inability to back up victories, having managed two consecutive Premier League wins only once under Amorim. More damning is their record after taking the lead and their performances in the second half of matches. Only Wolves have a worse second-half record, with United winning just two second periods all season and losing seven.
Amorim's in-game management, particularly puzzling substitutions often involving centre-backs, has drawn criticism for failing to turn matches in United's favour. While he has made the team more prolific—they are outscored only by the top two—this is undermined by a porous defence. No side outside the relegation zone has conceded more, and United have kept a mere two clean sheets.
Summer Signings Failing to Fire
The club's significant summer investment has yet to yield full returns. Big-money arrivals Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have managed only three and two league goals respectively. While Bryan Mbeumo and goalkeeper Senne Lammens are seen as successes, points dropped with Altay Bayindir in goal may prove costly. The underlying sentiment is that a squad with these resources, and this specific opportunity, should be performing far better.
Projecting their current form, United are on course for around 60 points, which would equal their joint-third lowest tally in the Premier League era. While a Europa League spot remains probable, it would be achieved with the nagging feeling that a Champions League return was within grasp but repeatedly fumbled through inconsistency, defensive frailty, and an inability to kill off games.
