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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United are heading towards a “great match streak” that will show whether they are title contenders or not.
The Red Devils responded well to the Champions League slump at RB Leipzig last week, but failed to beat rivals Manchester City in Saturday’s goalless derby.
United They are sitting in the middle of the table ahead of Thursday’s Premier League trip to Sheffield United, which kicks off a six-game 16-day series that is shaping up to be as frantic as it is important.
“Of course we have to be aware of the small tensions and inconveniences and we have to make decisions,” said the United boss. Solskjaer said.
“From the start of Sheffield United to the start (against Aston Villa on New Year’s Day) it’s 15 times 24 hours, so it will be very tight.
“Edinson (Cavani) has done well in his rehab. I still have to make a decision if we should risk it because it is a risk, a little for him, too soon, so I doubt that he will be available for me to choose tomorrow.
Fresh from Thursday’s trip to Bramall Lane comes a clash with old foes Leeds at Old Trafford this Sunday, before heading to Everton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The Premier League action then resumes with a Boxing Day trip to Leicester, before the year ends at home to Wolves and 2021 begins with Villa’s visit on New Years Day.
When asked whether this stretch of matches will decide whether United can fight for the title or not, Solskjaer said: “This is a great match streak for us.
“After Villa’s game on New Year’s Day, we have a little break in the league.
“Of course this period will be vital and it will be easier for me to respond at that time.
“I would be disappointed if the players didn’t think that we can present a challenge because at this moment anything goes in the league.
“There are different reasons for the different results, but I think we are improving, but we have to improve a lot to take the next step as well.”
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Games get denser and faster
United have a game in hand, but Solskjaer doesn’t know when that match will take place against Burnley, as his Carabao Cup hopes remain alive and the Europa League campaign begins at Real Sociedad in February.
“We watch every game there (in the Europa League) like we do in the league and the Carabao Cup: we want to win each and every one of them,” said the United manager.
“We are not looking at it now. It’s a very busy schedule and at that time we also have great games in the league.
“We will have to play one game at a time. We lost in the semi-final last year and it was disappointing.
“We want to go further and hopefully even lift the trophy.
“We have a good draw … at least the guys don’t sit down to relax and think it’s an easy game because they are the best in LaLiga at the moment, so that’s how lucky we are with draws.”
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