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Manchester United's sluggish performance against Chelsea demonstrated once again that the Red Devils are still far from Manchester City's high standards. Though they are second in the table, their performances against top sides have been below par, whilst there have been issues on their travels too.
If United are to turn things around and be genuine contenders for the title, there are some games in particular where they'll have to be on top form. Here are the five matches this calendar year which could make or break United's title challenge.
#5 Leicester City (Away) - 24 Dec 2017
Leicester City have had a poor start to this season's Premier League. The club were in and around the relegation zone which resulted in their manager Shakspeare getting the sack. Leicester's new coach, Claude Puel, in contrast, has started his tenure positively. Having triumphed in his first home game against Everton and then holding Stoke City away, things are looking up for the 2015/16 Champions.
The King Power Stadium has become a fortress for the Foxes over the years. Even during their tumultuous 2016-17 campaign, the former Champions got 34 points at home, compared to just ten on their travels. Leicester have managed to find the net in every home match this league campaign so United's defensive unit will be pushed to its limits.
#4 West Brom (Away) - 17 December 2017
West Brom will undoubtedly put Manchester United to the test through their direct football strategy. Tony Pulis's side is, on average, the 'tallest team' in the Premier League and Jose Mourinho must think of strategies to nullify their aerial threat.
West Brom are going through a rough patch in the Premier League at the moment. They have their lowest points tally after eleven PL games since their infamous 2005/06 campaign. Despite this bad run of form however, their home record is still solid and they have lost just one of their five home games this term.
Though Manchester United managed a win last time, they struggled against the Baggies at the Hawthorns in both the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
#3 Watford (Away) - 29 November 2017
When Manchester United travelled to Vicarage Road last time out, they were beaten convincingly by a well-organised Watford side. The Hornets were sensational and truly deserved the win.
Mourinho's side played pedestrian, bland football and were beaten by the better side, whilst the defensive efforts of Luke Shaw, in particular, were criticised by Mourinho who has since lost interest in the English defender.
United's current position shows minimal improvement. Their continuous failure to beat opponents away from home is a big concern. An exciting Watford side will likely magnify this vulnerability and so United will have to be on their toes to defeat a Hornets side with a nasty sting in its tail.
#2 Arsenal (Away) - 2 December 2017
Manchester United have lost in their last two league visits to the Emirates, having failed to score in either. The ongoing rivalry between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho has only added to the excitement surrounding the contest and last season's victory for the Gunners was the Frenchman's first over the Portuguese.
So far this term, Arsenal have had the perfect home record, winning all five of their games and the North London outfit currently sit just four points behind second-place United.
Leicester City caused Arsenal heaps of problems with their pace and potency on the flanks in the inaugural game of the season and Mourinho and co. will too be looking to capitalise on the defensive fragility of the Gunners.
#1 Manchester City (Home) - 10 December 2017
It's a game anticipated with both fear and excitement by the United faithful; the Manchester Derby has become increasingly important in a Premier League context over the years.
It pits José against Josep, Pogba against Aguero and one of the sturdiest defences against the league's meanest strike force. If it were not for United's recent dip in form, the league would be a clear two-horse race between the two Manchester outfits and this game will prove to be one of the most decisive across the whole season.
City are in the midst of a 22-match unbeaten run and have amassed 31 points from a possible 33 points in the league so far this term. The Citizens have won four out of their last six visits to Old Trafford having lost on just the one occasion and so Mourinho will have to be incredibly shrewd to overturn a scintillating City side.
