"They are at the first now. It will be 12 days until United go to Everton. For Michael Carrick, who was only appointed on 13 January, it is a good chance for his squad to "refresh", to allow some players to "clean up their niggles and strains" and "take a bit of a breather". But it is also an opportunity to reflect."
"Carrick's initial victories over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal were unexpected. The ones against Fulham and Tottenham were anticipated but did not arrive without problems that had to be solved. Combined with the failings of Chelsea and Liverpool, the end outcome is United are fourth, with a handy, but by no means pivotal, advantage in the hunt for a Champions League return, something few could visualise in the wake of Ruben Amorim's dismissal following the draw at Leeds on 4 January."
Manchester United exited both domestic cup competitions early, leaving the smallest season schedule since 1914-15 and dividing the campaign into blocks punctuated by longer gaps. A 12-day break precedes the trip to Everton and offers Michael Carrick, appointed on 13 January, time to refresh the squad, treat niggles and allow recovery. Carrick viewed the 1-1 draw at West Ham as a point to assess rather than an extension of a winning run, and judged one draw in five games a positive. Unexpected wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, plus problem-solving victories over Fulham and Tottenham, helped United reach fourth amid rivals' failings, creating a useful Champions League chase advantage. The side are unbeaten in nine league matches across three managers.
Read at www.bbc.com
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