Manchester United’s nightmare fixture run that threatens to wreck top four and Europe League bid
MANCHESTER UNITED face a nightmare run of games that threatens to ruin their to four and Europe League dreams.
Jose Mourinho’s injury-hit squad face the daunting task of player six games in just 17 days that will decide the fate of their season.
Manchester United are facing a nightmare run of games this monthReuters
United are fighting to secure a place in the Champions League next season, with their hopes riding on whether they can lift the Europa League or secure a top four finish.
But Mourinho’s decimated squad is already showing signs of running out of steam having played 57 matches so far this season.
Jose Mourinho needs to nurse his players through six games in 17 daysEPA
Thursday’s first-leg of their Europa League semi-final away to Celta Vigo is the start of a crippling run where they have to play a game every three days.
They go into the trip to Spain facing a major injury crisis in defence with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and now Eric Bailly all on the treatment table.
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And on Sunday they then have to take on top four rivals Arsenal knowing defeat would leave them struggling to beat Liverpool and Manchester City to secure a to four spot.
The second leg against Celta Vigo comes four days later – and then it is a trip to White Hart Lane to take on title-chasing Tottenham.
United lost Eric Bailly through injury against Swansea as their marathon season continues to take a toll on the playersGetty Images
Another away game against Southampton is next up on May 17, before the final match of the season at home to Crystal Palace.
Should United make it past La Liga side Celta in the last four, they would also have to prepare for the Europa League final in Stockholm on May 24.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is already out for the rest of the season for UnitedAP:Associated Press
It is a challenging run that could end up with United playing a marathon 57-match season.
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