The first 5 fixtures for Manchester United after the World Cup break
By Ivan Buss
Manchester United will now get to move past the Cristiano Ronaldo drama as they set sights on the return of club football.
For Manchester United, they face 3 different competitions in the opening 5 matches of competitive play post-World-Cup. After Ronaldo left for the World Cup, it’s time for the dust to settle and for Manchester United to move on (maybe even with a January transfer).
Here are their first 5 fixtures:
Burnley (EFL Cup, Dec. 21, Old Trafford) – Facing a Championship side will be a nice return for the Red Devils. However, Manchester United should beware of an old foe in Vincent Kompany, as he has managed the Clarets to the top of the Championship table after 22 matches played. Quelling all the Ronaldo talk with a win could go a long way in this opener.
Nottingham Forest (Premier League, Dec. 27, Old Trafford) – Another fixture for United that should be straightforward, against a team in Forest who are in the relegation zone after 15 games. Nonetheless, they’ll be hoping their standout defender this season will be ready to go after reaching the final with Argentina.
Wolves (Premier League, Dec. 31, Molineux Stadium) – If 18th-placed Nottingham Forest doesn’t make United fans’ mouth water, last-placed Wolves certainly should. Two back-to-back matches in which United should really be taking all 3 points. This is a toothless Wolves side, with no bark or bite to concern a 5th-place United side.
Bournemouth (Premier League, Jan. 3, Old Trafford) – Yet another bottom-half opponent for Manchester United. There will need to be some serious reflection for the Red Devils if at least 6 points aren’t picked up out of this run of Premier League opponents.
Everton (FA Cup, Jan. 6, Old Trafford) – While the Premier League may be out of sight once again this year for the red half of Manchester, the FA Cup could be a more realistic target alongside the EFL Cup. Erik ten Hag will be aiming to impress in his first full season, and a trophy would go a long way to helping his case for transfers come the summer window.
How do you think United will get on in their 5 opening matches after the World Cup?