Manchester United face a busy festive period, with three Premier League matches in eight days.
It begins with a trip to West Ham United on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off). The Hammers, who are in Carabao Cup action on Wednesday night against Liverpool, have been in mixed form of late. A convincing win last week over Wolverhampton Wanderers last week was preceded by a 5-0 battering by Fulham, although prior to that West Ham hadn’t lost in four league matches.
David Moyes’ side have also been impressive at home in recent weeks, winning five of their last six in all competitions at the London Stadium.
After that, it’s an in-form Aston Villa on Boxing Day. The Villans could spend Christmas in top spot depending on results this week and their trip to Old Trafford will pose a daunting test for Erik ten Hag’s players.
But United beat Unai Emery’s Villa in both meetings at Old Trafford last season, including a 4-2 Carabao Cup win in November 2022, and the Midlands club will be without the influential Boubacar Kamara for the festive period due to the red card he received last week against Brentford.
United wrap up the Christmas season with a trip to Nottingham Forest on 30 December. The former European champions appointed Nuno Espirito Santo as manager on Wednesday and the game against United will be just his third in charge.
A quiet start to 2024 follows a busy December, with a nine-day gap before the FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic on 8 January, before Tottenham Hotspur come to United on 14 January in the league.
With such a busy fixture schedule this month, Ten Hag will hope to rotate his squad over the West Ham, Villa and Forest matches, but he approaches the games with 11 absentees. Here’s the latest on United’s injury and suspension situation...
1. Victor Lindelof- potential return date: 23 December
Has missed the last three games due to injury but Ten Hag hasn't given a prognosis on the problem. He was seen in training before the Bayern Munich loss last week, so presumably is close to a return.
2. Harry Maguire- potential return date: 14 January
Is set to miss the festive period with a groin injury and it's not clear when he'll be back. Mid-January looks like a realistic target.
3. Lisandro Martinez- potential return date: 14 January
Underwent surgery in October to address a recurring foot injury. The defender hasn't played since but is back in individual training. He is not expected to be back before the end of December.
4. Diogo Dalot- potential return date: 26 December
Was sent off against Liverpool and has received a one-match suspension. He should be back for the Villa encounter.