Another international break has been and gone, and Erik ten Hag remains in his precariously positioned seat as manager of Manchester United.
As stated numerous times, the 20-time English champions have underwhelmed and must improve – this is obvious.
However, the undeniable value of momentum is the greatest asset in football, and a seven-game run up to yet another break in club football will supply a telling story in United’s season.
While no fixture is straightforward at the elite level of the beautiful game, it is an undeniably favourable schedule on paper.
Ten Hag will undoubtedly know this, and supporters will pray his side can finally flex their Ineos muscles in anger.
A home fixture against a potential replacement
Thomas Frank leads his Brentford outfit to the North West for Saturday’s 15:00 BST meeting in Manchester.
The Dane is touted as a potential replacement at Old Trafford, with Ineos chiefs reportedly admirers of the 51-year-old.
He has worked a notable job with the Bees, solidifying the side as an attack-minded team behind the talents of Bryan Mbeumo.
But history bodes well for the Old Trafford faithful, with wins in their previous five home league meetings by an aggregate score of 13-2.
Three positions and two points separate the sides, with the visitors yet to collect a point on their Premier League travels thus far.
A trip to see an old friend
Fenerbahce and Jose Mourinho supply a Thursday test in week three of the Europa League.
The former United chief assumed control of the Turkish outfit in June and has guided his side to fourth spot after seven fixtures in the Super Lig.
With four points from their opening two fixtures in European football’s second-tier competition, a partisan home crowd will be frothing at the prospect of an English arrival.
The legendary Portuguese tactician would love to get one over on his former employer, with ‘the special one’ not shy in sharing his feelings.
With six previous encounters, winning three each, the Reds fell to defeat in their last two trips to Sarı Kanaryalar.
On the road once more
Three days after an inevitably arduous trip to Turkey, United will travel south to face West Ham at the London Stadium.
Julen Lopetegui is not the most popular man amongst the Hammers, and many are dissatisfied with their regression.
Enduring a similar start to United, the Spaniard has one victory in five Premier League outings.
Furthermore, they make the journey to Spurs this weekend with Ange Postecoglou’s side presenting a daunting task.
Ten Hag will hope for an improvement on his return to East London, having lost both of the previous Premier League trips by an aggregate scoreline of 3-0.
The first of four in Manchester
An EFL Cup round-of-16 encounter with Leicester City presents a third fixture in seven days, with a place in the last eight up for grabs.
This midweek meeting will be the 138th between the sides, with the last cup tie returning a 3-1 FA Cup defeat for the Reds in 2021.
However, United did the double over the Foxes in 2022-23 and will aim to capitalise on their struggles during a return to the top flight.
Given the Dutchman’s usual reliance on particular faces, It will be interesting to see how much rotation plays a part.
A fixture with an abundance of potential outcomes
Chelsea are the visitors to Old Trafford on November 3, with Enzo Maresca’s side currently occupying fourth position thanks, in large, to the brilliance of Cole Palmer.
But, the fragility of the mega-million-pound squad has often been laid bare and retains many Jekyll and Hyde characteristics of United.
With numerous superstars expected to take the field, this could end in a drab stalemate or a ten-goal thriller.
However, the result of this fixture can play a crucial role for either side in their search for Champions League football.
The Old Trafford giants are unbeaten in seven of the previous eight meetings between the sides.
Switching focus back to Europe
Greek league leaders PAOK make the trip to England for game week four of the Europa League, hoping to upset their Premier League opponents.
Despite their impressive domestic form, Razvan Lucescu’s side has failed to collect a point from two continental challenges.
They will have hosted Viktoria Plzen at this stage, with every chance of arriving in the North West on a high.
As recent European encounters have highlighted for Ten Hag’s men, nothing is a guarantee – even with a two-goal lead.
A final fixture before the break
At this stage, the future of our Dutch leader will most likely have a concrete conclusion.
Leicester make their second trip in less than two weeks – this time in the league – and likely under a more significant setting.
The previous six fixtures will have shaped morale, momentum and the manager’s mindset.
It is not beyond possibility that United could find themselves in the top four and the last eight of another domestic cup.
Alternatively, the outlook could present an entirely different dynamic with a new face leading his men against Steve Cooper’s side.
Ultimately, the time is now for the final reaction of this group, and there are no more allowances for excuses.
How do you think Erik ten Hag and Manchester United can fare during this crucial period?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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