The international break is here, and the timing is somewhat interesting for Manchester United. After the disappointing 3-0 defeat against Arsenal, United will come back from the international games facing a very tough run of fixtures that could yet define their season.
Reds have very tough run
Beginning with an away trip to Everton, United then travel to Moscow to face CSKA, before an eye watering Manchester Derby is followed by the daunting task of a visit to Selhurst Park to face Alan Pardew's flying Eagles, and the tough run is rounded off with the return champions league fixture with CSKA Moscow. It's a run of fixtures that was highlighted before the season began as being potentially hazardous for Louis van Gaal's men, but now becomes even more significant after they were left reeling from a humbling defeat at the Emirates before the international break began. That game, which many were optimistic about following United's climb to the top of the table, has left a sour taste in many fans' mouths and getting back to winning ways will be a top priority against Everton.
The break for the international games is an interesting one for the team, and is something of a double edged sword; on the one hand, it gives the players time to get away from thinking about that poor result and regaining some confidence with their national sides. On the other, it merely prolongs the time that the United players - and fans, for that matter - have to wait before the opportunity to put it right comes around.
Everton is something of a bogey team for United, as the Old Trafford outfit have only beaten the Toffees twice in their last seven premier league games, inclduing a 3-0 defeat at Goodison Park last season. The Manchester Derby has not been a particularly happy fixture for United in recent times, either, whilst Crystal Palace are absolutely flying this season, and Selhurst Park is always a very difficult to place to visit. United will be hoping to secure at least two wins from those games, and it seems that the Everton game could be the pivotal match up in terms of getting back the crucial momentum and confidence that was flowing through the side before defeat to Arsenal.
Then we turn our attention to the two Champions League games against CSKA Moscow, where United will hope to all but secure qualification to the knockout phase by winning 6 points against the Russian club, giving them 9 points overall. However, travelling to face CSKA is never an easy task against a very hostile crowd, and, as Manchester City found out last season, they can be a very tricky side to face.
The need to be good defensively
The next five games, therefore, could prove to be a defining moment in United's season. Poor results in the premier league could see them slip further behind leaders Manchester City, whilst every Champions League match is now very important following the defeat to PSV on matchday one. The key to ensuring these games go according to plan? Regaining the solidity in defence that saw United reach the summit of the premier league in the first place. Injuries to Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo have created a very disjointed defence which was exposed in twenty minutes of lackluster play against Arsenal, and if Manchester United are to come out of this challenging period unscathed, they must first become resolute at the back once again.
The next four weeks will be a real test for Louis van Gaal and his team. The mark of champions is often how they respond during tough times, and if Manchester United have hopes of winning the premier league this season they must respond well to the defeat at Arsenal and push on after the international break.