Man United have reached the final of the Europa League but the problems have just started for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Red Devils lost the second leg of the semi-final to Roma 3-2 but thanks to their healthy first-half lead, the Premier League side won the two-legged tie 8-5. But they will have no time to bask in this glory as they will have to shift their focus to a crucial phase in the domestic league.
Next up, Man United face Aston Villa in the league on Sunday and just two days later, they take on Leicester City at home. If this was not hectic enough then they have to play their rescheduled match vs Liverpool next Thursday.
Manchester United are second on the Premier League table so their Champions League qualification is more or less confirmed. But now this clutter of fixtures could result in a lot of drop points, thereby changing the whole scenario of the top-four race.
Many pundits and experts have raised questions regarding this tight and grinding schedule but despite so many handicaps, it looks like the United boss is keeping a brave face.
The manager said after Thursday’s match: “Yeah. Two games in three days is difficult but you can accept that. We do that at Christmas.
“Two games in three days after a long season, with all the games we’ve had, even more difficult. Three games in five days, very, very, very difficult. Almost impossible. And four games in eight, it is impossible. But I think you all know me – I hope you do, anyway. We’ll take the challenge head on.
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“I’m not sitting here sulking but I’m just saying someone there does not understand the physicality of the Premier League. It’s the best league in world. I don’t know how you can defend playing these three games in such a short space of time.
“I’ve got to look after the players. That might be someone not happy with my team selection for one game or two games.
“That might affect whoever gets into the fourth position or the Champions League. That’s not my problem. That’s everyone else’s problem.”
“I’ve got to think about my players. But I know there will be teams fighting for the Champions League places that will not think that’s Man United’s best team in that team, that’s not the best players.
“I can promise you that it’s impossible to play 90 minutes at this intensity, at that level in the Premier League four times from Thursday to Thursday. That means I cannot play everyone every minute, which means we’ve got to prioritise.”
Man United have 67 points in the league right now and if they can win their game-in-hand then they go seven points clear from Leicester City who are currently third.
And while the Aston Villa game will not be a major problem for them but the Leicester & Liverpool matches could change things in a flash. So, despite all the brave talk, the manager will have to use a lot of bench warmers on Sunday so that his regular players remain fresh and injury-free for the two big clashes.
