Man Utd Face Crucial Test: Can They Outperform Liverpool and Chelsea in Their Next Five Premier League Clashes?
In his characteristic understated fashion, Michael Carrick continued his streak of modest commentary. "From a results perspective, things have been positive," the Manchester United boss acknowledged.
Monday's narrow 1–0 triumph against Everton marked United's fifth victory in Carrick's six matches as interim manager. The Red Devils have now gone 10 Premier League games without defeat for the first time since Ole Gunnar Solskjær was spinning his magic back in 2021.
This impressive surge in performance has propelled United to fourth place, establishing a three-point buffer over Chelsea and Liverpool in the Champions League qualification battle. United's sole objective for the season's remainder centers on securing their European comeback, while their direct competitors must juggle priorities with ongoing Champions League commitments.
With the knockout rounds commencing, the upcoming Premier League matches could be decisive in determining which clubs will compete among Europe's finest next campaign.
Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool's Next Five Premier League Fixtures
Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool's Next Five Premier League Fixtures
Man Utd (4th, 48 Points) | Chelsea (5th, 45 Points) | Liverpool (6th, 45 points) |
|---|---|---|
Crystal Palace (H) – March 1 | Arsenal (A) – March 1 | West Ham (H) – Feb. 28 |
Newcastle (A) – March 4 | Aston Villa (A) – March 4 | Wolves (A) – March 3 |
Aston Villa (H) – March 15 | Newcastle (H) – March 14 | Tottenham (H) – March 15 |
Bournemouth (A) – March 20 | Everton (A) – March 21 | Brighton (A) – March 21 |
Leeds (H) – April 11 | Man City (H) – April 11 | Fulham (H) – April 11 |
At first glance, Liverpool appears to have the most manageable schedule ahead. The Reds face three teams currently in the bottom five during the next two weeks, with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur both visiting Anfield around a journey to Molineux to begin March.
Nevertheless, no fixture in the Premier League should be taken lightly. Arsenal recently demonstrated that Wolverhampton Wanderers can punish complacency. While Spurs seem utterly bereft of confidence, West Ham are gaining momentum. The Hammers have secured 11 points from their previous six matches—exceeding Liverpool's tally by one.
Chelsea remain undefeated in Premier League action since Calum McFarlane's final match during his caretaker period against Fulham in January. Nevertheless, Liam Rosenior expressed frustration following another home draw against promoted opposition this weekend. "We've squandered four points from two home fixtures," he complained after Saturday's disappointing 1–1 deadlock.
This pattern has persisted throughout the campaign; Chelsea have surrendered 19 points from advantageous positions this season, a figure only West Ham exceeds. Arsenal have also shown vulnerability to this weakness, suggesting the opening goal may not prove decisive when these London adversaries meet at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.
Arsenal's visit kicks off a challenging run for the Blues, who also face second-place Manchester City and third-place Aston Villa within their next five encounters.
Manchester United's forthcoming matches resemble a tryout for their future permanent manager.
Oliver Glasner is expected to guide Crystal Palace to Old Trafford next Sunday—assuming he retains his position. The Austrian tactician, frequently mentioned for United's permanent role, appears to use every media appearance to provoke his own supporters. Despite leading the Eagles to victory over Wolves last weekend, speculation about Glasner's future overshadowed the match.
Eddie Howe represents another candidate linked with the Old Trafford position. Roy Keane's coaching inspiration will host United at St James' Park next midweek before Unai Emery brings Aston Villa to the Theatre of Dreams.
Andoni Iraola has built a strong argument for consideration through his encounters with the Red Devils. In five previous meetings, the Bournemouth manager remains unbeaten while his team has scored 13 goals.
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Grey Whitebloom serves as a writer, reporter and editor for Sports Illustrated FC. A London native, he closely follows the top divisions of German, Italian and Spanish football.