Manchester United are now unbeaten in seven games across all competitions.
Whilst unbeaten streaks aren’t a necessity in football, it shows the positive signs of development under Erik ten Hag, as well as builds morale amongst the players.
It is also important to see how exactly United bounced back from their dismal defeat to rivals Manchester City. They can’t change the result of the game, but they can ensure the following results make a statement and that the reverse fixture in the second half of the season is different.
For the Reds, it’s crucial that the squad’s international players return from the World Cup fit. Being without Raphael Varane until December is already a significant loss for United, and the team can not afford to enter the festive period, which is often the most demanding part of a season, with injuries.
In an ideal world, United would bolster their attack in the January transfer window. Ideally, with the addition of a profile like Cody Gakpo. However, if not, it’s key for Ten Hag to start utilising the different talents at his disposal, like Alejandro Garnacho or Facundo Pellistri, as the current players are about to enter the most hectic run of fixtures they have ever experienced.
Manchester United’s remaining fixtures before World Cup
United have only five fixtures remaining before the prolonged international break kicks off. One is their final Europa League match against Real Sociedad, which is a must-win game to ensure even less fixture buildup, one is an EFL Cup game against Aston Villa and the other three are Premier League clashes; West Ham United, Aston Villa and Fulham.
Heading into the November break in the top four is crucial for United. Nine points and nothing less should be the precedent when overseeing the remaining games.
