Manchester United are set for one of the busiest half-seasons in the club’s modern history after the campaign was paused to accommodate this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Erik ten Hag’s men have already returned to action, with the Dutchman’s side comfortably securing their passage to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a win over Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.
In the quarter-finals, they will face Championship side Charlton – one of many fixtures in January. Martin Dubravka, who was signed on loan from Newcastle on deadline day, is expected to feature in cup games and the Slovakian shot-stopper has now revealed his excitement about the upcoming festive schedule.
“I think so, I think everyone enjoys the momentum,” he told the official Manchester United website when quizzed on his side’s upcoming schedule.
“We’ve picked up a few points against very big teams, which is great for us. We’re up there and we still have a chance to fight for the titles. That’s important and everyone knows what to do so it’s good to be part of it.
“I think it’s the best time of the year, especially [over Christmas and New Year] when you have five games in 12 days
“It’s tough, but when you’re winning, you’re in a great mood. We’ll be there and we’ll be ready to hopefully give something back to the fans as well.”
Dubravka is, however, expected to drop out of the team for United’s return to Premier League football early next week when Nottingham Forest make the trip to Old Trafford.
David de Gea has cemented his place as Ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper and the Spaniard was handed the chance to reset and recharge his batteries during the five-week break.
United are currently scheduled to play seven games in January but that could change depending on the result of their FA Cup third-round fixture with Everton.
