The importance of clinching Champions League football next term cannot be overstated, as the manager has already emphasised, because it can prove vital in assisting the evolution of Erik ten Hag's side.

Our outstanding home form has provided the main thrust to our top-four challenge and the two 1-0 defeats on the road last week, at Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United, have left the door open. With Liverpool in fifth spot, and stringing together six successive wins, some nerves among the fanbase are to be expected.

However, there is sure to be a show of unity and renewed optimism when the Reds run out against Wolves on Saturday.

First up, it's a 15:00 BST kick-off and the traditional start times always generate a special kind of atmosphere within the ground. Perhaps it just evokes memories of the regular matchday routine for older fans, but there is a certain something in the air for such occasions.

There is also the fact that we've had our first blank midweek since the World Cup finals (excluding the international break). While there has been much talk of player fatigue, maybe the fans will also benefit from a breather, following a relentless schedule of games.

I'm not sure I speak for everyone but it feels like I've been counting down the hours to Saturday's match for much of the week. While a pause is to be appreciated, it doesn't take long to yearn for more action.

Certainly come the time when the players walk out at the Theatre of Dreams, the United faithful will be desperate to see if we can right the wrongs of last week's losses.

The atmosphere inside Old Trafford has been excellent throughout the season and I would like to think that it has helped Erik's side achieve such an impressive home record. There is a bond between supporters and players and there is no doubt this will continue as we strive to complete the job in the top flight.

And the task is simple: winning all three home games would be sufficient to ensure a top-four finish, even if the first priority is, naturally, getting the three points on the board against Wolves.

From the first whistle, if the energy is provided by the team, it will be more than matched by those in the ground. This is another game on our home patch, and another opportunity to underline how strong we are at fortress Old Trafford, where we have not lost in the league since the opening day.

There's a third trip to Wembley on the horizon, with cup-final songs certain to also get an airing, and there needs to be a buzz to reflect just what can still be achieved before the season is out.

There may have been a wobble but, refocused and refreshed, this is a chance to take that first step in ending 2022/23 on a real high.

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