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How October Could Shape Up Manchester United's Season by bioemmy: 8:36am On Oct 11, 2016 |
Manchester United face a crucial month of October that could have a huge impact on the team's overall output for the season. José Mourinho's United started the season on a bright note with four straight wins (which included a Community Shield triumph over Champions Leicester City) followed by three straight defeats. The team picked up form again with three straight victories only to start the month of October with their only draw of the season (against Stoke City) so far. In most Premier League seasons, nothing much can be deduced from a team's performance before the December-January transition, as that is usually where and when Champions are made and a lot of things settled in the League. For United however, that determining period may be now. The team currently lies sixth on the table with 13 points from seven games (a possible 21 points), five points behind early leaders: neighbours Manchester City means United can't afford to drop much points as a lot have been dropped within their first seven League games of the season. Here's a look at United's remaining fixtures for October and how it could affect the team's season. Liverpool Vs Manchester United (October 17) United travel to Anfield to face a high flying confident Liverpool side that are currently third on the table. Such a crunchy match coming after the international break would make team selections a little tricky for both managers. Mourinho has already had a bad taste of the international break as his team lost his first Manchester derby to another arch rival in Pep Guardiola after the last international break. Mourinho himself contributed to the defeat stating two players (Jesse Lingard and Henrikh Mkhitaryan) whose physical and fitness were questionable for a match of such intensity. Something he admitted after the game The Special One will be mindful of such selection against a Liverpool side that don't have European engagement like United who will be hosting Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in another key match against three days after. The match against Liverpool is a must win or one the team must not lose to maintain a touching distance with the teams above them. A defeat could widen the gap between United and City to eight if the Citizens get a win in their own match. Trailing the table toppers with eight points in October is a bad one for a team of United's ambitions. Manchester United vs Fenerbahçe (October 20) The Europa League is not United's choice European competition but been knocked out in the first round would be an embarrassment. Three points from their first two games looks averagely decent, but considering the level of opposition, then one can argue that the team could have done better. The match against the Turkish giant would have a huge effect on United's qualification hopes. A defeat by the Robin Van Persie led Fenerbache and a victory for Feyenoord in the other group's match would mean more hard work for United to guarantee their qualification. The match is one United can't afford to lose. Another tough game for United in October. Chelsea Vs Manchester United (October 23) The fixture against Mourinho's former team will be United's third game in seven days. A Chelsea vs Manchester United fixture doesn't need more drama than this. José Vs his former team, players and employers. This time last season, the Portuguese was under immense pressure with his London side massively underperforming as defending champions. There were theories that the Chelsea's players were the main architect of their manager's sack with some believing José's end began after the row with team doctor Eva. José would have put all that behind him now, but expect the dust of history to be brought up when United visit the bridge. Chelsea under new manager Conte haven't been superb. The two teams are currently tied on the same points with United on top by virtue of a superior goal difference. Depending on United's result against Liverpool, this match is also one United can't afford to lose, putting aside Mourinho's hidden intention to get one over his former team. A victory over Liverpool will ease the pressure on United going into this match. A defeat or draw against the Kops makes this match a must win. By the end of the game against the Blues, United would have played Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the League and expect the results of these games to form a strong basis for judging Mourinho at United so far. Van Gaal had the record of not losing much games to his top rivals and Mourinho understands that he must continue in that tradition. Losing these two games can widen the gap between United and city to eleven or lesser. Manchester United vs Manchester City ( A Cup Derby) October 26. The F.A Cup and EFL Cup present United a shorter route to silverware this season but City in the fourth round of the EFL cup would be more than a cup match. The first version of the José Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola clash was won by the Manchester City boss at Old Trafford in the League. And this time, expect United to go all out for a revenge. A defeat for United means outrightly losing one chance of a silverware and losing it to the next door neighbour will make it more painful. The tie at Old Trafford is like an advantage for United, one that must be utilized to the maximum. As always a game against City is a must win for United. United end the month with a league match against Burnley at Old Trafford. In all it promises to be a fascinating and breath taking October for United. One that could decide a lot of things. Source: www.mufcmetro.com/2016/10/how-october-could-shape-up-united-season.html?m=1 |
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