Manchester United’s Five Premier League Fixtures to Watch After The International Break
The international break always presents a bittersweet pause in the football calendar. While it offers an opportunity for players to represent their national teams, it also leaves club football fans itching for the action to return. For Manchester United supporters, the upcoming Premier League fixtures after the break are crucial for their season’s trajectory.
United’s 2023-2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster ride, with moments of brilliance intertwined with inconsistent performances. However, their next five fixtures promise to offer a real test of their resilience, strength, and ability to challenge for the top spots in the league. Let’s dive into the key matches for Erik ten Hag’s men after the international break.
1. Manchester United vs. Sheffield United (Home)
Date: October 21, 2023
Sheffield United will be one of the first teams to face off against United after the international break, and this home fixture will be crucial for Erik ten Hag. After a rocky start to the season, Manchester United will be looking to build some momentum. While Sheffield United has struggled to find form in the Premier League, they remain a tough team, especially in games where they feel they have little to lose.
For Manchester United, this match is about regaining confidence. Their recent performances have shown flashes of brilliance but also vulnerabilities, particularly in defense. Sheffield United, who have only earned one point from their first seven matches, are not a team to be underestimated, particularly under pressure. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Christian Eriksen will need to step up and lead the team to a much-needed three points.
A win here will provide United with a solid foundation as they head into a more challenging stretch of games. With the home crowd behind them, this is one they cannot afford to slip up in if they want to stay within touching distance of the top four.
2. Manchester United vs. Manchester City (Home)
Date: October 29, 2023
After the “easy” fixture against Sheffield United, things ramp up significantly with the derby against Manchester City. The battle between the two Manchester clubs is always a spectacle, and this season’s encounter promises to be no different. Pep Guardiola’s City is as formidable as ever, with players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish threatening from all angles.
For United, this is a fixture that holds enormous significance, not only for the city bragging rights but also for their ambitions in the league. A victory here would not only boost their position in the table but also send a message to the league that they are genuine contenders. However, their recent form in derbies has been patchy, and ten Hag will need to ensure his team is fully prepared to deal with City’s attacking power.
Defensively, United’s center-backs will be tested, and Casemiro’s role in shielding the defense will be more important than ever. On the offensive side, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes must find a way to exploit City’s high defensive line. This is one of the marquee fixtures of the season, and United will need to be at their very best to even get a point from this clash.
3. Chelsea vs. Manchester United (Away)
Date: November 4, 2023
After the high-stakes derby against City, United’s next big test comes in the form of Chelsea. The Stamford Bridge clash has historically been one of the most competitive fixtures in the Premier League, and Chelsea’s revamped squad this season under Mauricio Pochettino will be eager to make an impact. While Chelsea has been in transition, their squad depth and talent can never be discounted.
United’s away form has been a concern in recent seasons, and this match will be another chance for ten Hag to prove his side can compete with the best in the league, even when traveling. Chelsea’s attacking threats like Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, and the new signings will be a challenge for United’s defense.
From a tactical standpoint, United will need to be disciplined, avoid errors, and capitalize on Chelsea’s occasional lapses. This is a match where Bruno Fernandes’ creativity and Rashford’s pace could prove decisive, but United’s defense, especially the center-back pairing, will need to step up to deal with Chelsea’s young attacking players.
This fixture is not just about the points but also about gaining confidence on the road, an area where United’s performance has been inconsistent. A win here would not only boost United’s league standing but also provide a significant confidence boost ahead of the winter months.
4. Manchester United vs. Newcastle United (Home)
Date: November 11, 2023
The return of Newcastle United to the top echelons of English football has been one of the stories of the past few seasons, and Eddie Howe’s side has proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Last season, United had a tough time against Newcastle, with the Magpies showing a disciplined, aggressive style of play that often caught their opponents off guard.
United will need to be wary of Newcastle’s high pressing game and their ability to transition quickly. Players like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak can be match-winners on their day, and they’ll be looking to make a statement at Old Trafford.
For Manchester United, this is a chance to show that they can handle the pressure of facing high-intensity teams. The midfield battle will be key here, and Casemiro’s leadership will be critical. United’s wingers, especially Rashford and Antony, will need to exploit the space behind Newcastle’s full-backs, who are often caught up the pitch.
United’s home form has been a strength, and with Old Trafford behind them, this is a must-win match if they want to challenge for a top-four finish. A strong performance here will also send a message to their rivals that they’re not to be underestimated in their quest for Champions League football.
5. Liverpool vs. Manchester United (Away)
Date: November 25, 2023
The final fixture in this run sees United make the short trip to Anfield to face bitter rivals Liverpool. The rivalry between these two clubs is one of the fiercest in world football, and this match promises to be filled with emotion, intensity, and, as always, drama. Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, remains one of the most potent sides in the league, and with players like Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Virgil van Dijk leading the charge, they are always a formidable force.
However, Liverpool has shown signs of vulnerability this season, especially in defense, and United will look to capitalize on any lapses. The key for Manchester United will be to stay composed and not get drawn into the chaos that often defines this fixture. United’s counter-attacking style, which has worked well under ten Hag, could be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s defense.
Rashford’s pace on the counter and Fernandes’ creative passes will be vital to breaking down Liverpool’s press. United’s defense will need to be alert at all times, especially with the attacking firepower Liverpool possesses. This game is always a high-stakes affair, and it could prove pivotal in United’s hopes of finishing in the top four.
Conclusion
The five Premier League fixtures after the international break represent a critical stretch for Manchester United. From facing relegation candidates to battling for top-four spots, these matches will test the squad’s mettle, character, and ambition. For United to be in the conversation for Champions League football, they must perform well in each of these matches. The upcoming games offer a perfect mix of challenges—whether it’s navigating the derby against City, taking on a hungry Chelsea side, or facing the high-energy play of Newcastle and Liverpool.
With a talented squad and tactical nous under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has the potential to rise to the occasion. The key will be consistency, and how well the team handles the pressure of these high-stakes fixtures will determine whether they can stay in the hunt for a top-four finish
in what promises to be another exciting Premier League season.
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