Manchester United are entering unprecedented territory this season as they will be playing a whopping nine games in the coming 29 days, with a trip to Newcastle United up first.
Erik ten Hag’s men are still competing on three fronts, having already gone all the way to win the Carabao Cup in February. United also took the long route into the Europa League quarter-finals, meaning they have played every single game available to them this season.
Ten Hag was reluctant to rotate his side in the first half of the season but he has relaxed those ruled recently and that could prove to be a vital decision in what is going to be a gruelling final two months of the season.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Newcastle, David de Gea has highlighted the prospect of making it two another two finals and previewed the hectic schedule this month.
“We have massive games coming,” De Gea is quoted as saying on the official Manchester United website.
“We have a couple of competitions where we’re close to being in the final, so it’s great again and we have to be sure that we finish in the top four as well. It’s massive for the club and for us.
“Nine games in one month is a lot, I think we’re playing a lot of games, but that’s football right now.
“We have to prepare the games as best we can and recover well, because we don’t have many games between them. Hopefully, we can keep winning and enjoy what we’re doing this season.”
SN’s verdict…
Ten Hag will argue that United are well-equipped to deal with the relentless schedule but in truth, the increasing number of injuries and suspensions will be a cause for concern at some point.
United will be without midfield lieutenant Casemiro for the next three domestic games and no timeline has been placed on Christian Eriksen’s return yet.
Alejandro Garnacho remains an injury doubt in the attacking areas, with Anthony Martial also on the sidelines. The Frenchman could, however, make his return this weekend after an extended spell of first-team training.
