Manchester United's woes have continued into the holiday season after they suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
A week ago it was Manchester derby delight, now Ruben Amorim has been left with more questions than ever from witnessing his team's latest performance. Bossing possession and attempts on goal did not matter as Dean Huijsen nodded a looping header beyond Andre Onana at a set-piece.
With that United flaw exposed once again, Noussair Mazraoui hacked down Justin Kluivert in the penalty area to allow the Dutchman to score a penalty, then Antoine Semenyo wrapped up proceedings with a counter-attack. This final result before Christmas Day leaves the club 13th in the Premier League table, facing an uphill struggle if they are going to catch up to their rivals chasing European football.
Victory for Arsenal on Sunday cemented their place within the top-four, Manchester City continue to fall down the table after losing to Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are due to take on Liverpool this evening.
With that said, MEN Sport takes a look at United's upcoming matches compared to these major rivals...
December 26 vs Wolves (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
A Boxing Day trip this year takes United to Molineux where they will face Wolverhampton Wanderers. If their own battering was not worrying enough, a switch in manager from Gary O'Neil to Vitor Pereira this week has seen the next opposition claim a 3-0 away victory at Leicester City this afternoon.
December 30 vs Newcastle (H) at 8pm - Premier League
The final match of the calendar year will be against fellow European hopefuls Newcastle United. Alexander Isak will be the danger man full of confidence having just scored a hat-trick against Ipswich Town.
January 5 vs Liverpool (A) at 4.30pm - Premier League
And after the turn of the year, the first fixture of 2025 is against bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield. As things stand they have control of the Premier League, sitting first place this Christmas.
January 12 vs Arsenal (A) at 3pm - FA Cup
As part of their upcoming fixtures, United will enter the FA Cup at the third round, as is customary for Premier League teams. They were given one of the toughest draws possible, facing Arsenal away.
Interestingly, former Gunner Paul Merson has said his old side should 'sacrifice' the fixture.
January 16 vs Southampton (H) at 8pm - Premier League
Returning to Premier League action after that cup foray, Southampton visit Old Trafford. Like Wolves the bottom-placed side too have just switched managers, going from Russell Martin to Ivan Juric.
Arsenal next five fixtures:
December 27 vs Ipswich Town (H) at 8.15pm - Premier League
January 1 vs Brentford (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
January 4 vs Brighton (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
January 12 vs Manchester United (H) at 3pm - FA Cup
January 15 vs Tottenham (H) at 8pm - Premier League
Man City next five fixtures:
December 26 vs Everton (H) at 12.30pm - Premier League
December 29 vs Leicester City (A) at 2.30pm - Premier League
January 4 vs West Ham (H) at 3pm - Premier League
January 11 vs Salford City (H) at 5.45pm - FA Cup
January 14 vs Brentford (A) at 7.30pm - Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur next five fixtures:
December 22 vs Liverpool (H) at 4.30pm - Premier League
December 26 vs Nott’m Forest (A) at 3pm - Premier League
December 29 vs Wolves (H) at 3pm - Premier League
January 4 vs Newcastle (H) at 12.30pm - Premier League
January 12 vs Tamworth (A) at 12.30pm - FA Cup