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Defeat at the Emirates was supposed to have derailed Manchester United’s quickly developing title bid as Arsenal stretched their advantage at the summit.
But Sean Dyche’s magical little beard has since brought fresh life to the Red Devils’ charge. Victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday means they’re just eight points adrift of the Gunners having played a game more.
Things are set to get trickier for Erik ten Hag in the coming weeks, however. After fighting back frm 2-0 down against Leeds in the Premier League on Wednesday night, United’s next six games will span four different competitions.
Here’s a look at who’ll they’ll be taking on.
A rare double header.
The Premier League opted to reschedule United’s game against Leeds, which was postponed back in September due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, for Wednesday night, just days before the two sides meet at Elland Road.
Leeds’ search for a new manager will continue this week, but it’s unlikely they’ll have their new manager in the dugout in time for Sunday’s game.
The Red Devils were dealt the short straw as they were paired with La Liga leaders Barcelona in the Europa League play-off round.
It’s the standout tie, and United have their work cut out if they’re to advance into the round of 16. They’ll travel to Catalonia for the first leg.
United return to Premier League action at Old Trafford against Leicester.
The Foxes had somewhat recovered from their dismal start, but they endured a winless run of five games after returning from the World Cup.
James Maddison’s return immediately lifted spirits, however, and they won their first league game since November at the weekend as they beat Aston Villa 4-2.
It’ll likely be all to play for in the second leg as two European behemoths clash. The scheduling of this tie is far from ideal with United having the chance to claim silverware on the Sunday that follows this clash at Old Trafford.
A comfortable two-legged triumph over Nottingham Forest saw Ten Hag’s side ease into the Carabao Cup final where they’ll take on Newcastle.
Both sides are looking to claim silverware which will ignite their respective projects. United last tasted victory in this competition in 2017, while Newcastle haven’t lifted a major piece of silverware since 1955.
It’s a hugely significant final for many reasons.
The fourth and final competition that United’s next six games span is the FA Cup. The Red Devils have beaten Everton and Reading on their journey so far, and another home tie awaits in the fifth round as they take on West Ham.
The Hammers have shown signs of life in recent weeks and they set up this tie by beating Brentford in the fourth round.
The winner of this one advances into the quarter-finals.
