They say fortune favors the brave, well, bravery is only a fraction of what Manchester United need to survive this oncoming barrage of massive games. To stand any chance of Champions League football next season United need to go into the next six games gunning for all eighteen points, how ever unrealistic that target may seem. Not only is this a test of will and how much the players want it, but it will also be a good indication of the direction this club is going.
Spurs travel to Old Trafford on the 15th looking to claw their way into the top 4 battle by beating United and staking their own claim as a top 4 club. I feel that United should have beaten Spurs during the Christmas period but, as has often been the case this season we were left frustrated by missed chances. A win is a must against Spurs and that may be enough to spark a run that United need.
Liverpool beckons after for United and at at a time where Liverpool are the form team in the league, this fixture is the one that United fans might just be fearing the most. With Liverpool playing some of the best football they have played since last season and picking up big results lately, this is a must win for United to try and halt Liverpools March.
After the trip to Merseyside, Aston Villa make the trip to Manchester seemingly rejuvenated after the appointment of Tim Sherwood. After a dull scoreless draw last time out, United will be looking to make amends by beating Villa and beating them well. This is the only game out of the 6 that many fans will be sure of a win.
The next two games after Villa are arguably the hardest games of the season in terms of league position. United face the current champions and the current champions elections in Manchester City and Chelsea. In my opinion, Four points from these games would be a positive outcome. The game against Manchester City earlier in the season ended with City taking the spoils after a Sergio Aguero strike. United fans will be hoping for a win against out fierce rivals.
Chelsea, at Old Trafford, proved to be a game that left many fans of United feeling more upbeat that Chelsea fans despite the result only being a draw. Stamford Bridge has not been kind to United over the years but United do not need to dwell on the past, they need to be fired up and above all the players must take their chances because Chelsea will make sure that chances are at a minimum.
We finish off the tough run against Everton, a game that last season, sealed David Moyes’ fate. A majestic David De Gea performance in the reverse fixture in Manchester allowed United to claim all three points. United must go there in a positive mood regardless of what may happen during this tough run.
All in all, this period calls for mental strength and tactical soundness of United are to maneuver their way through this run of fixtures and come out the other end with a real chance of achieving their aims. It will take a great and courageous effort by both manager and players to take risks and perform to the ability that they are capable of.
