Ruben Amorim's reign as Manchester United manager faces a critical juncture with four pivotal matches ahead, starting with a tough away fixture against Liverpool. Following a solid 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break, Amorim is under pressure to build on this momentum as the team aims for improvement after a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, which was the club's worst performance since 1973-74.

The backing of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe offers Amorim some reassurance, as Ratcliffe has emphasized that significant progress takes time, referencing Sir Alex Ferguson's early struggles at the club. However, the reality remains that fans and the board will expect tangible results, especially given that United has only managed 10 victories in 34 Premier League games since Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag.

The upcoming match against Liverpool at Anfield poses a formidable challenge, particularly since United has not won there since 2016. However, Amorim's squad will also face Brighton at home, followed by away games against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. These matches present a potential opportunity to accumulate valuable points and push towards the European qualification spots, which is a stated goal for the season.

Historically, United has struggled against Brighton and lost to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham in their previous encounters, which adds to the stakes of these fixtures. The team's early-season inconsistency has raised concerns, and a failure to secure points in these matches could lead to intensified scrutiny on Amorim's tactics and decision-making.

Ultimately, the next four games are critical for both Amorim's future at United and the club's aspirations this season. The outcomes could either reinforce his position and provide momentum or lead to increased pressure and calls for change if results do not meet expectations.