Manchester United’s draw at Wolves in the FA Cup is a nightmare result for the club.
There’s absolutely no shame in managing to avoid defeat at Molineux with a second-string team these days, however, it gives the Red Devils another fixture they really didn’t need.
They’ll have to face Wolves again in a replay on January 14, meaning Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men could play up to EIGHT games this month.
Man United are also fighting on three fronts in in the first month of the year with fixtures in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
They have arguably the most difficult league match of the season when they face Liverpool at Anfield on January 19.
And in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, they’re playing rivals Man City over two legs.
Oh, and they’re not out of the woods when January finishes either as they have to face Wolves in the Premier League on February 1.
January 4: Wolves (0-0 draw, FA Cup)
January 7: Manchester City (H – Carabao Cup)
January 11: Norwich (H – Premier League)
January 14: Wolves (H- FA Cup)
January 19: Liverpool (A – Premier League)
January 22: Burnley (H – Premier League)
January 24-27: Potential FA Cup fourth round tie
January 29: Manchester City (A – Carabao Cup)
February 1: Wolves (H – Premier League)
Squad rotation will be a must during this busy period and we have seen plenty of Man United’s fringe players get game time during the Europa League group stage this term.
However, these fixtures are a different kettle of fish, and it would not be surprising if Solskjaer took his chances on his younger players for the FA Cup replay and the fourth round tie should Man United get there.
They’ll be up for the Carabao Cup tie but may have to face the reigning champions without defender Harry Maguire, who appeared to be limping during the first-half against Wolves.
Phil Jones was preparing to come on for Maguire but the centre-back eventually completed the 90 minutes and Jones was an unused substitute.
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They’re already missing defenders Axel Tuanzebe, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly and if Maguire is deemed unfit Jones will likely play alongside Victor Lindelof in the heart of the defence.
Strap yourselves in Man United fans. This could be a tough month…
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