Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United have the ability to finish inside the English Premier League top four this season, despite the challenges his squad has faced.
United head into their Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle in seventh place, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
However, the manager remains confident that his group can improve in the second half of the campaign.
Speaking ahead of the match, Amorim admitted that it is difficult to make guarantees but believes the squad have enough quality to compete with the teams above them.
“It’s hard to talk about that. We have the potential to do more, and I think I can do more with the team and help them to do better,” he said. “If it’s top four, it’s different. Everything around our club is not as simple as we have the talent to reach that. There is so much more than that in this team.”
Despite the uncertainty, the manager made it clear that confidence remains high.
“If we have the full squad, I think I can help them to play better and we can play better in the future,” Amorim added.
Injuries and inconsistency have affected United throughout the season, but he believes that once key players are back, performances will improve and results will follow.
For now, United are in a position where every fixture carries weight. With the Premier League table tightly contested, a win against Newcastle on Boxing Day could pull them closer to the top four and put pressure on the sides above them.
The squad know that the next few weeks could define their season.
United sticking to their January transfer plan
Amorim also addressed the upcoming January transfer window. He also confirmed that Manchester United will not abandon their long-term strategy despite the current situation.
With a number of injuries and limited depth in certain positions, the club has been linked with potential signings, including Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.
“We are struggling in this moment but the club, we have a plan and we are going to stick with it,” he said.
The manager made it clear that United will only pursue players who fit their long-term project rather than spending for short-term solutions. “If we have the opportunity to bring a player who we think is going to be the future of the club, he’s going to come.”
United are expected to explore the market, but Amorim stressed that signings will only be made if the right options appear.
“When I look at the team, when we have the full squad, I need to take more quality from that group. If we can bring someone good, if not, then we will spend money in the summer.”
As things stand, the club are not panicking and remain committed to their project under Amorim.
For now, the focus shifts to Newcastle on Boxing Day, where United have a chance to prove that a top-four finish is a realistic target, not just optimism.
