Sir Jim Ratcliffe sets Ruben Amorim ambitious Premier League target that would see Man Utd make history next season following dismal campaign

Following a disappointing campaign that currently sees the club in 16th place, the new leadership at Old Trafford is targeting a top-six finish next term, according to reports from the Manchester Evening News. Despite recent setbacks, including a weekend loss to West Ham, Ratcliffe and the rest of United’s board remain confident that with the right pre-season preparation and squad reinforcements, the team can climb the table significantly, by as many as 10 positions.

History offers little precedent for the kind of turnaround United are targeting. In the history of the 20-team Premier League format, only five clubs have ever jumped 10 or more places from one season to the next. One of the most famous examples is Leicester City’s astonishing rise from 14th place in 2014–15 to champions the following season—an outcome that was famously priced at 5000/1 by bookmakers. That meteoric rise remains the most iconic transformation in English football history. Other cases include Everton’s leap from 17th to 4th in the 2004–05 season under David Moyes. Despite losing teenage star Wayne Rooney to Manchester United the summer prior, Moyes guided the Toffees into the Champions League.

Aston Villa achieved a notable upswing in 2003–04, climbing from 16th to 6th under David O’Leary, following the departure of Graham Taylor. This managerial change helped rejuvenate a struggling side, as the team secured UEFA Cup qualification.

Similarly, Roy Hodgson transformed Fulham’s fortunes in 2008–09. After narrowly avoiding relegation the previous season, the veteran boss guided the West London club to a seventh-place finish. That campaign laid the foundation for their remarkable run to the Europa League final the following year. Adding to this select group, Nottingham Forest are set to complete a jump of over 10 spots by the end of the current season under Nuno Espirito Santo, having finished last season in 17th place.

United’s highest ever jump in the Premier League came when they moved from seventh to fourth. Looking further back, the club hasn’t made a leap of 10 places or more since 1964, when Sir Matt Busby oversaw a legendary revival. Should Amorim remain at the helm next season, he will face a monumental task: orchestrating one of the greatest turnarounds the Premier League has ever seen. Achieving a top-six finish would not only secure European football but also mark a historic achievement in the club's history.