Manchester United’s defining week – with three matches in six days – begins in Newcastle with an injured Sabitzer joining a snarled Casemiro on the sidelines… Erik ten Hag’s delicate side are creaking for the first time
- Man United face Newcastle, Brentford and Everton in a crucial week for Ten Hag
- Injury issues mount as United target a top four Premier League finish
- The midfield remains a concern, with Casemiro set to miss all three matches
Manchester United have been the kings of the knockout this season – unbeaten in their last 19 cup matches in three different competitions with the Carabao Cup already in the cupboard.
But it is the Premier League that will fully focus Erik ten Hag’s mind on the resumption of club football after the international break.
Qualifying for the Champions League remains a huge priority for United after missing out on Europe’s elite competition in four of the past five seasons, and despite their run in the Europa League, their best chance of a return remains in fourth place.
United are currently in third place, but only three points behind Newcastle, who are in fifth place. It makes Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park very important and is just the start of what could be a pivotal week for the club.
The following Wednesday, in-form Brentford arrive at Old Trafford with Everton just three days away.
Ten Hag faces a difficult week in the Premier League with United playing three games in six days
Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer has sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Austria
The stakes in the Newcastle game couldn’t be higher, and Eddie Howe has key personnel in better shape now than when they met in the EFL Cup final at Wembley – £60m striker Alexander Isak being a prime example – while That Ton will never have to rely on third-choice goalkeeper Loris Karius again.
Even if United fans expect the most points from home games against Brentford and Everton, Ten Hag will be keen to see Southampton 0-0 down in the league game at Old Trafford.
They were also beaten 4-0 by Thomas Frank’s side earlier in the season and to add to the excitement United’s side are seriously creaking for the first time under their Dutch coach.
The midfield general, Casemiro, was suspended for all three league matches following his red card against the Saints.
Christian Eriksen has not played since January with an ankle injury while Casemiro’s natural replacement Marcel Sabitzer withdrew alarmingly from Austria’s European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan and did not feature in Estonia on Monday.
Donny van de Beek will be absent for a long time due to a knee injury, while Alejandro Garnacho will be absent due to an ankle injury.
At least while Marcus Rashford missed the England qualifiers to recover from a knock he suffered against Fulham and went to America during his vacation, Ten Hag will hope he can quickly resume his form after the World Cup, scoring 19 goals in 25 matches since Qatar.
United will also miss the suspended Casemiro in their next three league matches
Marcus Rashford has taken time off in New York to recover from an injury that sidelined him for England duty
Rashford has been Manchester United’s leading scorer this season and they lack options in attack
United lack scoring options without Rashford. Anthony Martial gets out with injury a lot and Mason Greenwood hasn’t been picked this season for off-field reasons.
Ten Hag would have clinched United’s current position after losing their first two matches against Brighton and Brentford, but he will be aware of the importance of that next week.
Having already secured United’s first trophy since 2017 with the prospect of lifting the FA Cup and Europa League as well, it wouldn’t be considered a great season unless it was in the top four.
Louis van Gaal was sacked immediately after winning the FA Cup in 2016 because the team finished fifth.
Tin Hag has a lot going for it. David De Gea has been at his best for years as he chases a new contract.
He will benefit in defense from Raphael Varane’s international retirement and Luke Shaw will also be rested after missing England’s victory over Ukraine on Sunday through suspension.
David de Gea is back to his best form in years while chasing a new contract at Old Trafford
Scott McTominay has scored consecutive braces for Scotland in international matches
Luke Shaw made just one appearance in the international break after seeing red against Italy
With midfield problems mounting, it was quite the spectacle to see Scott McTominay return with two goals in Scotland’s 3-0 win over Cyprus and another brace in their 2-0 victory over Spain.
McTominay has been used sparingly this season and could leave Old Trafford in the summer, but his athleticism and strength will come in handy for Ten Hag given the other absentees.
United could also qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League but with strong opposition like Juventus waiting, Ten Hag won’t want to count on that – he’ll expect to qualify via the Premier League too.
In cup matches, United looked irresistible but failed to score in their last two league matches; The 7-0 humiliation at Liverpool was followed by frustration against Southampton when he played most of the game with 10 men. That’s why the next trio of games are so vital.
