Happy new month. Welcome to the last and in English footballing tradition, one of the most important month in the league. Whatever happens to a team in the December/January period will go a long way in determining the overall outcome of the season.
The schedule is hectic, with three to four matches in 7/8 days, no Xmas break for the players, that says it all.
Redlyunited looks at Manchester United December fixtures and their possible outcomes
HEADING INTO DECEMBER
Manchester United head into December with a decent third place on the Premier league table, and occupy second position in their Champions League group standing through, there is still a lot to do to guarantee qualification.
United could have done better on both fronts, and fans will be hoping for a change in fortunes this December. The debate surrounding Van Gaal's philosophy still lingers and results in his second December in England may go a long way in deciding his fate at Old Trafford.
Saturday December 5
MANCHESTER UNITED VS WEST HAM
United kick off December with the Hammers visit to Old Trafford. The London club are 8th on the table and have endured a dip in form lately. Drawing two and losing two of their last four. A victory at Old Trafford may be too much to ask, but with the rate at which United draw games recently, Slaven Bilic may be hoping for a share of the spoil at United. A winnable game by all standard for United, but the team's inconsistency is a reason for concern
VERDICT:
United should get the three points here.
Tuesday December 8
WOLFSBURG VS MANCHESTER UNITED
This will most likely be United's most important fixture this December. In a group comprising of PSV, Wolfsburg and CSKA, United were expected to qualify without panic.
But the team's inconsistency and habit of drawing games have costed them gallant qualification. United must win against the German side who now top the group to guarantee qualification. The German team have not lost at home in a long while, and United will be hoping to break that.
Mission possible but difficult. With the goals not coming freely, and the team having lost their traditional and historic attacking swag, a must win quest at Wolfsburg, is dicey.
VERDICT:
Again winnable but difficult. Not winning or qualifying will say a lot about Van Gaal's philosophy and future.
Saturday December 12
BOURNEMOUTH VS MANCHESTER UNITED
Saturday December 19
MANCHESTER UNITED VS NORWICH
Games against Bournemouth and Norwich in succession present United a seemingly easy opportunity to rake in the points in the bag. Both teams are just from the Championship and would be facing a United that is title hungry.
In football anything is possible, but if United drops points in any of these two games, chances of wining the title becomes slimmer.
VERDICT:
Both games can and should be won convincingly.
Saturday December 26
STOKE VS MANCHESTER UNITED
A boxing day trip to the Britannia is not what most United fans have prayed for.
The Mark Hughes led team have defeated Chelsea this season and have never been a roll in the park for United. This is a potential banana peel for United. Stoke are known to be physical and energetic. Hopefully United would have found their rhythm by then and will be able to get pass an ever stubborn and difficult Stoke City side.
VERDICT:
Winnable game but never underlook Stoke and remember the Mark Hughes factor.
Monday December 28
MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA
What a way to end the year. Hosting the Premier League defending champions and having a Van Gaal Vs Mourinho reunion.
Both men have come under intense criticism this season, but Jose the most. Chelsea will most likely not win the league this season, but a match against United still remains a showpiece.
United would have hopped this fixture had come earlier, during the Blues dark days.
Chelsea are gradually finding their rhythm, and are winning games. United have done well against top teams this season, with the exception of the Arsenal defeat.
VERDICT:
Depending on the form, confidence levels and injury state of both team heading into the tie, a draw or United victory is one the cards.
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