Manchester United have won three games in a row in the Premier League, but Emile Heskey believes they are still some way off being considered top-four contenders
Manchester United will look to maintain their recent Premier League surge following three consecutive victories, though Liverpool legend Emile Heskey reckons they’re not realistic challengers for anything beyond an eighth-place finish.
Triumphs over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton have boosted morale within the squad, with a challenging away fixture at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest up next. The East Midlands outfit suffered their maiden league defeat under new boss Sean Dyche – a 2-0 defeat to high-flying Bournemouth last weekend.
United are displaying encouraging signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim, chalking up three successive victories – their first such run since between May to August 2024. The positive atmosphere has returned to Old Trafford as they occupy sixth position in the standings.
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Nevertheless, Heskey reckons the immediate target for United should be clinching a top-eight spot in the Premier League. Discussing their recent upturn in form, Heskey told Dream Vegas: “He [Amorim] adapted to the way he needed to play against Liverpool, so it looks like he’s understanding a bit more the squad and understanding a bit more the players and understanding a bit more the league as well.
“I do believe that they see something in him that they believe is long-term, so I don’t see them sacking him. The next step is probably top eight, and then just keep putting their foot on the pedal and moving up the table to where they believe a club of the stature of Manchester United should be.
“They should be challenging in the top four eventually, but at this moment, they’re miles off that. The next step top eight and then get top six. I think that’s a successful season for me.”
Amorim has been under the microscope throughout his time at Old Trafford, but a trio of vital victories appear to have temporarily quelled doubts about his role.
“It was a journey, a big journey,” Amorim reflected on his inaugural year at the helm. “It was tough, really tough, good moments and bad moments.
“I learned a lot that is really important. I found out that even in my lower moments I can stick with the things I believe and that is a good thing for anyone to understand. Today the answer is different from three weeks ago.
“One of the biggest honours of my life to be here and I want to continue here for many years.” United’s trip to Forest will mark one year since Amorim took over the reins, succeeding Erik ten Hag as manager.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
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