One of the problems with fighting for trophies on multiple fronts is a very congested end to the season.
That is what awaits Manchester United, after José Mourinho’s side edged past FC Rostov to set up a Europa League quarter-final meeting with Anderlecht.
The busy fixture list has already taken its toll this week, with Paul Pogba suffering a hamstring injury after playing against Chelsea on Monday and Rostov on Thursday, and the games will continue to come thick and fast despite United bowing out of the FA Cup against the Blues.
Juan Mata’s goal sent United through to the last eight of the Europa League (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
As noted by the Daily Mirror, the Premier League will need to announce dates for rearranged fixtures before the Europa League quarter-finals are completed, meaning United could yet end up with nine games to play during the month of April even if they lose to their Belgian opponents.
Mourinho’s team is currently scheduled to play West Bromwich Albion (April 1), Everton (April 4), Sunderland (April 9), Anderlecht (April 13), Chelsea (April 16), Anderlecht again (April 20), Burnley (April 23) and Swansea City (April 30).
However one of two rearranged fixtures could yet end up being played in between the Burnley and Swansea games.
The second Manchester Derby of the season was originally due to be played at the end of February, but had to be postponed due to United’s EFL Cup Final appearance against Southampton.
And the league meeting with the Saints is also awaiting a new date, after the FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea meant the two teams couldn’t meet on March 12.
And things aren’t likely to slow down all that much in May if United despatch their Belgian opponents over two legs.
They already have league meetings with Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace in the calendar, plus a likely rearranged meeting with either Man City or Southampton, meaning two European semi-finals and a final would leave things very congested indeed.
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