How Old Trafford can kickstart a crucial 11 days
When us Reds wake up on Thursday morning, it'll be hard to escape the exciting, stomach-churning thought that we're about to enter the season's most defining phase. The fabled "run-in" well and truly starts here.
For months now, we've been enraptured by United's ability to compete on all fronts. The Carabao Cup has, of course, already been claimed. But Ten Hag's Reds have so much more to do and, now, we're coming to the crunch.
Over the next four games, our hopes of further silverware will either continue breathing, or be stopped stone-dead. And then there are our nine remaining Premier League games, which are likely to determine whether or not we'll play Champions League football next term.
It's all on the line, and it's essential that we begin this nerve-jangling period with a strong start when we welcome Sevilla at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
90 in 20: United v Everton Video
90 in 20: United v Everton
Enjoy the extended highlights from Saturday's entertaining Premier League clash with the Toffees...
The La Liga club have struggled throughout 2022/23, but they're not known as the 'Kings of the Europa League' for nothing. They've won this competition six times – double the tally of anyone else. In short: they know what they're doing, so don't get sidetracked by their ordinary league form.
And with the Spaniards benefitting from a second leg on home soil, at the oppressive, intense Ramon Sanchez–Pizjuan stadium, a good start in M16 might be the difference between progression or secession.
Then on Sunday, it's to struggling Nottingham Forest, as the battle for the top four continues to rage. The two-time European champions might be mired in the relegation zone, but they've claimed 21 points at home this season, and have been beaten just four times at the City Ground in the Premier League.
Four days later, we head to Andalusia to find out whether we'll make it to the last four of the Europa League or not. And following that, it's swiftly on to Wembley, for the second time this season, to fight Brighton & Hove Albion for a place in the Emirates FA Cup final.
In just 11 days' time, we'll know whether we've reached another major final or not. And whether we're one more tie away from the Europa League final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Every game matters, and there's little room for error.
Will Casemiro return against Sevilla? Video
Will Casemiro return against Sevilla?
The Debate | Topics include the Everton and Sevilla games, Casemiro’s return and the Vidic v Van Dijk battle…
The good news? As we're preparing for that FA Cup semi-final, our leading top-four rivals, Newcastle and Tottenham, will face each other at St James' Park. Whatever happens, at least one of those teams will cede a bit of ground.
But United fans won't bother too much about that game – or any others, for that matter. Our fate remains in our own hands in all three competitions and – even with Marcus Rashford set to be sidelined for a few matches – Erik ten Hag's options have proliferated in recent days.
During Sunday's win over Everton, Christian Eriksen returned from injury, and Anthony Martial grabbed his first goal since his own period of absence ended. That game with the Toffees also marked the end of Casemiro's four-match domestic ban. Fitness permitting, the Brazilian will be back against Sevilla.
An update on Rashford's injury
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But I can't lie: I'm nervous.
It's been a thrilling, breathless season so far; such a marked contrast to the troubles of 2021/22. Being involved in every competition possible in April, heading into the final weeks of the season, is what every football fan lives for. But once you're there, it isn't half nerve-wracking...
I'm feeling optimistic about Thursday, too. After all, we're unbeaten at Old Trafford since early September, and have won 21 of our last 24 games here.
The games away from OT that follow Sevilla's visit are a little more concerning. But get through those challenges, and United really will be set up for a grandstand finish to this most memorable of campaigns.
If you're heading to M16 on Thursday evening, let's kickstart this monumental run of fixtures by getting right behind the lads and giving it everything. Our support might just be the difference between United delivering a very good season and a truly great one.
Up the Reds.
The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.
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