Manchester United currently sit 5th in the Premier League following Saturday’s comfortable win over Spurs. Ole’s focus now would be on a continuing tough run of fixtures in November, with United playing Atalanta and Man City before the International Break. After that, the next 3 matches will also be crucial as United play away to Watford, Villarreal, and Chelsea, in the span of just 8 days.
With a poor start to the season, United can’t afford to drop many points in these games. They are currently 8 points from the top of the table and a winning run is definitely in Ole’s sights.
Atalanta (2nd Nov, Tuesday)
Atalanta are in a desperate search for points to qualify in the Round of 16. If United manage to sneak a victory at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, they’ll only need 1 point more to confirm their spot in the knockouts. United will be set to record their 150th win in the Champions League/European Cup against Atalanta. This would make them the first English side to reach this milestone, and fourth overall after Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. Also, United have lost only 1 out of their last 6 games against Italian opponents in the Champions League. The odds are in our favour.
Predictions: Atalanta 1-2 United
Man City (6th Nov, Saturday)
Man City’s display against Crystal Palace on Saturday was below par, as the Eagles cruised to a 0-2 victory. But after an easy midweek clash against Brugge at home, City will be raring to go against United on Saturday afternoon. OIe would be hoping to get a positive result at home, after the horrific outing against Liverpool last time out. United should go all guns blazing, as this is the last match before the International Break. If United win this, they’ll be level on points with City. This could be the defining moment of United’s season in the Premier League.
Predictions: United 1-1 City
Watford (20th November, Saturday)
Traveling to Vicarage Road to play Ranieri’s side will be difficult for United. Watford sit 16th after 10 matches and would be hungry for points to avoid going further down. Being the first match right after the International Break, most Watford players would be preparing for this match for 2 weeks. While United’s players would be coming back from their International duties 2-3 days before, tired and fatigued. This is the perfect match to utilise players like van de Beek, Matic, Mata, and Greenwood, who won’t be too busy during the break.
Predictions: Watford 1-3 United
Villarreal (23rd November, Tuesday)
Well then. A European away match against Spanish opponents. This has not gone very well for United over the years. But will history repeat itself? A factor that might go into United’s favor is that they have Mr. Champions League- Cristiano Ronaldo- who has scored in every Champions League outing for United since rejoining the club. His contribution will be pivotal if United desire to sneak a win against Emery’s Villarreal.
Predictions: Villarreal 2-2 United
Chelsea (28th November, Sunday)
Chelsea will be coming into this match after playing Leicester and Juventus. If we turn up on the day, Chelsea could well be given a tough fight. But being United’s third away match in just a short span of 8 days, no one knows where the result could end up. And Chelsea also have better squad depth.
Predictions: Chelsea 2-0 United
