Manchester United players have been handed two days off by manager Erik ten Hag following the 1-0 Premier League defeat at West Ham United on Sunday evening.
The Red Devils suffered their second straight league loss at the weekend. A David de Gea blunder helped the Hammers open the scoring. United simply failed to find the equaliser.
Their performance dropped off drastically in the second half and speaking after the defeat, Ten Hag acknowledged that his players are feeling the rigours of the hectic schedule.
Since the World Cup, United have played a game in every 3.8 days due to their involvement in all competitions. This will be their first free midweek since September last year.
Back in August, Ten Hag decided to run 13.8km with his players after the 4-0 loss at Brentford but he has taken a more sympathetic approach after their 57th game of the season.
As per The Athletic, the squad have been given two days off after yesterday’s loss to recharge their batteries and come stronger for the final four games of the campaign.
United must refocus and start winning their games
The Red Devils have had a difficult time on their travels in recent months. Yesterday’s defeat to the Hammers was their eighth away from home in the league this season.
Despite the loss, the club are still one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.
They have another four games left in the campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham – three of those being at Old Trafford.
This is definitely good news for United as they have won 12 out of their league 16 games at home with their only defeat coming against Brighton in the opener.
As of now, United need a maximum of three wins to finish ahead of Liverpool and secure a top-four berth.
However, they may have to win their remaining four matches in case Brighton go on a perfect run.
It seems very unlikely with the Seagulls yet to face Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
