Manchester United's upcoming fixtures include seven games in a 22-day period leading up to October's FIFA Days. They also have a lot of travel to do as they begin their Europa League campaign and four of their seven games, including three of their four Premier League games, are away from home.
Southampton will be the first opponent of the "Red Devils" in the upcoming difficult schedule. Coach Russell Martin's team is currently ranked second to last with 3 consecutive losses and only scored 1 goal.
Next up, United host Championship side Barnsley at home in the third round of the Carabao Cup, before taking on Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace.
Erik ten Hag's side open their Europa League campaign at home to Twente on 26 September, before hosting Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham in the Premier League. United's first game of October is a trip to Portugal to face Porto in the Europa League.
Man United's final game before FIFA Days in October is considered extremely difficult. They have to visit Villa Park to play Aston Villa, the team ranked 7th in the Premier League.
On paper, this is a relatively difficult run of fixtures for Ten Hag's side. Based on last season's position, only six Premier League sides - Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Brentford - have more difficult fixtures ahead than Man United.
More concerning is the Red Devils' poor record against these same opponents last season. Of course, Man United did not face Southampton, but they were crushed 4-0 by Palace at Selhurst Park. At home, they also lost by a minimum score against their opponents last season.
Meanwhile, Man United's home game against Tottenham last season ended in a 2-2 draw. Ten Hag's side twice let the lead slip and also lost 2-0 in the return leg.
They were better against Aston Villa, winning 2-1 at Villa Park last season thanks to a late Scott McTominay strike, but in the end, Ten Hag will need better results than last year over the next seven games if they are to ease the pressure.
Having to face Barnsley alone will give United an easy path to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, and a strong start in the Europa League will also be key after last season's Champions League disappointment.
But the positive results in the cup competition cannot save Ten Hag at this time. If the "Red Devils"'s form in the Premier League does not improve, will Ten Hag still have a chance to think about the end of the season?
The match between Southampton and Man United takes place at 6:30 p.m. on September 14 (Vietnam time).
