Opinion: United set for vital reset

Monday 08 May 2023 13:00

Manchester United will play no midweek fixture for the first time since the busy Christmas period.

Erik ten Hag's side have so far played a whopping 57 games this term and crucially now have a chance to reset and recharge the batteries ahead of the crucial run-in.

In what has been a disappointing week after suffering back-to-back defeats against both Brighton and West Ham, the Reds now have just four Premier League games and an Emirates FA Cup final to look forward too.

Wolves are the next side to arrive in M16 this Saturday, before a trip to the south coast to face Bournemouth pre-dates our final two home games against Chelsea and Fulham.

What's happening this week at United?

 Article

Your go-to guide for everything happening across the next seven days at the club.

Tight turnarounds and hectic scheduling have been part and parcel of our first season under Ten Hag's tutelage and our progression in each and every available cup competition is testament to the culture the boss is building.

Having already won the Carabao Cup back in February, United are also in an all-Manchester FA Cup final, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of this season's UEFA Europa League too, before bowing out against serial winners Sevilla last month.

Balancing injuries, the mid-season break for the World Cup and a game every 3.8 days, on average, our players can warrant some vital down time before it's all eyes on Wolves' upcoming visit.

Beginning to learn a lot about the players, our outstanding home form is also something that cannot be discouraged, with United having now not tasted defeat at the Theatre of Dreams since our 1-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad back in September.

Unbeaten in our last 28 games in all competitions on home soil, reconnecting with our supporters is something Erik is known to feel strongly about and with three vital home games to come, our supporters will once again be rallied to provide that raucous 12th-man atmosphere.

Marcus Rashford's best goalscoring season of his career has also helped the Reds in front of goal, while David De Gea continues to lead the way in terms of Premier League clean sheets, with 15 in total so far this term.

Rashford achieves a personal best

 Article

Marcus's first strike against Leicester means he has already topped his highest goals tally for one season.

Finishing the campaign on a high remains a priority to each and every person connected with United and achieving a top-four finish will go along way in ensuring progress is made in every aspect.

It's been a difficult few days, but bouncing back has seemingly been something the Reds players have taken in their stride at times, with Sunday's clash at Old Trafford the perfect chance to do so once again.

Huge home wins against Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City remain our season high's, but with five crucial games to come, this short break can only aid our chances of success come the end of the campaign.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.

Recommended: