Manchester United remaining fixtures for 2021 compared to their rivals
by Stefan Attard
T
he final international break of 2021 has just ended ushering in what will be the busiest spell of the season for Manchester United. At the time of writing this article, Manchester United have just suffered a shocking defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was under enormous pressure to turn his side’s fortunes around - and fast and the defeat forced United to relieve him of his duties. The defeat to Watford marked United’s fifth defeat in their last seven Premier League matches, leaving them twelve points behind current table-toppers Chelsea and six points shy of the top-four. Michael Carrick was then promoted to a caretaker manager and he started off to a flyer by securing a vital win in Spain against Villarreal. This significant win meant that United will qualify as the leaders to the next round of the Champions League. In a season which started with huge expectations following a good transfer window, our title aspirations have already been blown away. With United now 12 games into their Premier League campaign and their title aspirations all but over already, here is a close look at their how their next six league games compare with the other five clubs that currently make up the top-six. Manchester United - 8th (17pts) Although United’s form has been dismal of late, the fact that Liverpool slipped up against Brighton and West Ham United following their win at Old Trafford kept the top-four within touching distance. If United are to bridge that gap, however, they are going to have to get wins on the board fairly quickly, especially in this upcoming period, which features a range of fixture types. After sacking Solskjaer, United managed to qualify for the Champions League next round, and will travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea,
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meaning that will be another daunting prospect against one of the leading title contenders. After facing the Blues at Stamford Bridge on November 28, United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford just four days later. A few weeks ago, this game would have been seen as a good opportunity for the Reds to secure three points. However, Arsenal have turned the screw in recent weeks and will offer a stern test. Following the clash with Arsenal, United welcome another London club to Old Trafford, this time Crystal Palace. Despite Patrick Vieira’s side not being considered as one of the Premier League’s elite, they have already won at the Etihad Stadium this season, offering a warning sign for what they are capable of. The Red Devils do have nine games to manage heading into the New Year, however later fixtures should serve them well. United are involved in the only match not taking place on Boxing Day while they also have to wait until January 3 to kick-start the action in 2022. United’s biggest tests are both at Old Trafford as well, with an opening December clash with Arsenal preceding a Champions League tie against Young Boys. Arsenal - 5th (20pts) After a terrible start to the campaign, the north Londoners have gone on an unbeaten run in the Premier League moving above United in the table in the process. Mikel Arteta has overseen a rapid improvement at Arsenal in recent months. Like United’s, Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures are likely to give a more accurate reading of where they are currently at. After their good run their trip to Anfield ended with a heavy defeat. The Gunners will now welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be in action nine times across the course of festive period. Arsenal start with a difficult away day to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United which precedes a run of seven games before they finish at home to Man City on January 1, 2022. The Gunners’ lack of European football does ease their fixture list slightly but they do have to squeeze in a League Cup quarter final against Sunderland as well. That game comes in the middle of Arsenal’s busiest period in which they have to play six times in 18 days – an average of playing a match every three days. Liverpool – 4th (25 points) After a couple of stutters against West Ham and Brighton, Klopp’s side hammered Arsenal with a 4-0 scoreline. The Reds then have another home game to look forward to against Southampton a week later. A short trip to Goodison Park to face Everton in the Merseyside derby kicks-off Liverpool’s December schedule, before facing Wolverhampton Wanderers, also away from home, a few days later. The Anfield outfit then have another two home games to look forward to against Aston Villa and Newcastle, meaning four home games in their next six matches looks like an opportunity for them to get back on track after a minor blip. Jurgen Klopp famously doesn’t like England’s crowded Christmas period – and this year the German won’t be happy with his side playing ten times. The one boost is the Reds have already topped their Champions League group so can afford to rest a few key stars for an away trip to face AC Milan. Yet after that, Liverpool play four matches in 11 days with three Premier League games and a Carabao Cup quarter-final to navigate. West Ham - 4rd (23pts) Arguably the surprise package of the season so far, all eyes will now be on West Ham to
