Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Manchester United have plenty of fixtures coming in a short space of time after their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday night.
United began the contest compactly and while they did not show a lot going forward, they restricted the Gunners to few chances. Their best chance fell to Diogo Dalot shortly before the interval but his strike flew agonisingly wide of the far post.
However, the Reds fell behind shortly after the break as a corner was flicked in at the near post by Jurrien Timber. Matthijs de Ligt came close to an equaliser with less than 30 minutes remaining but his header was tipped away well by David Raya.
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United would concede a second on 73 minutes when another corner was headed back across by Thomas Partey before being deflected in by William Saliba. With the Reds confined to their first defeat under Ruben Amorim, MEN Sport has taken a closer look at what is to come for them as they aim to bounce back.
United's next five fixtures
December 7 vs Nottingham Forest (H) at 5.30pm - Premier League
December 12 vs Viktoria Plzen (A) at 5.45pm - Europa League
December 15 vs Manchester City (A) at 4.30pm - Premier League
December 19 vs Tottenham (A) at 8pm - Carabao Cup
December 21 vs AFC Bournemouth (H) at 2pm - Premier League
The verdict: United's biggest test in the next five fixtures is the trip to City for the Manchester derby. No matter the issues which are currently besetting Pep Guardiola's side, they are always going to be a threat and Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly be looking forward to pitting his wits against the Catalonian. Beyond that match, the fixture list is not too unkind. Forest and Bournemouth will provide their own threats but at home, United will be expected to win. The trip to Viktoria Plzen is crucial in the race for Europa League qualification while the Spurs game is an opportunity for rotation even if progression at this phase would bring the final into sight.
Arsenal's next five fixtures
December 8 vs Fulham (A) at 2pm - Premier League
December 11 vs AS Monaco (H) at 8pm - Champions League
December 14 vs Everton (H) at 3pm - Premier League
December 18 vs Crystal Palace (H) at 7.30pm - Carabao Cup
December 21 vs Crystal Palace (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
Chelsea's next five fixtures
December 8 vs Tottenham (A) at 4.30pm - Premier League
December 12 vs Astana (A) at 3.30pm - Conference League
December 15 vs Brentford (H) at 7pm - Premier League
December 19 vs Shamrock Rovers (H) at 8pm - Conference League
December 22 vs Everton (A) at 2pm - Premier League
Manchester City's next five fixtures
December 7 vs Crystal Palace (A) at 3pm - Premier League
December 11 vs Juventus (A) at 8pm - Champions League
December 15 vs Manchester United (H) at 4.30pm - Premier League
December 21 vs Aston Villa (A) at 12.30pm - Premier League
December 26 vs Everton (H) at 12.30pm - Premier League
Newcastle United's next five fixtures
December 7 vs Brentford (A) at 3pm - Premier League
December 14 vs Leicester City (H) at 3pm - Premier League
December 18 vs Brentford (H) at 7.45pm - Carabao Cup
December 21 vs Ipswich Town (A) at 3pm - Premier League
December 26 vs Aston Villa (H) at 3pm - Premier League
Aston Villa's next five fixtures
December 7 vs Southampton (H) at 3pm - Premier League
December 10 vs RB Leipzig (A) at 8pm - Champions League
December 14 vs Nottingham Forest (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
December 21 vs Manchester City (H) at 12.30pm - Premier League
December 26 vs Newcastle United (A) at 3pm - Premier League
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Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting 10 midweek Premier League matches on December 3-5, plus 10 fixtures on December 26-27.
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