Manchester United might have to achieve Bruno Fernandes' 'target' to save this season and next

At the halfway stage of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Manchester United sit 14th in the table.

Monday night's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at Old Trafford has left the Reds 13 points short of the coveted Champions League qualification places and just seven above the relegation zone.

As fanciful as it might seem to consider United as being in danger of being relegated to the Championship, their current form suggests it is entirely possible. After all, the table does not lie.

United have lost each of their last four matches across all competitions and have failed to find the back of the net in each of their last three in the league. Sunday's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool could not have come at a worse time.

A week after facing Arne Slot's side, United will travel to the Emirates Stadium for an FA Cup third round tie against Arsenal. The FA Cup third round is often littered with surprises, and it would be a big one if United's defence of their crown was to make it beyond the first hurdle.

The prospect of being sucked even closer towards the drop zone this weekend and being dumped out of the FA Cup the following Sunday means plenty of pressure could be on their Europa League campaign. United will resume their European adventure later this month, facing Rangers and FCSB in their final two league phase outings.

Currently sitting seventh in the standings, United will fancy their chances of being one of the eight sides that gain automatic qualification for the last-16. Those that finish between ninth and 24th will require a play-off round consisting of a two-legged tie in February.

United are still unbeaten in the Europa League this season, winning three and drawing three of their first six matches, and captain Bruno