Erik ten Hag has always cut a considered figure when speaking to the media and he came across customarily level-headed in yesterday’s press conference.
However, he will know as well as anyone that the next seven days are pivotal in how United may fare this Christmas period. In the space of a week he will either be lauded or lamented.
The Dutchman may posit a calm mind at the moment but a storm awaits him at Goodison Park on Sunday. The rafters will be rocking as the riled Everton fans produce a raucous riposte to the Premier League’s 10-point deduction. READ MORE: Erik ten Hag addresses Raphael Varane's future READ MORE: UEFA confirm Rashford's Champions League ban There is no let-up afterwards either.
United travel across to the other side of the continent to take on Galatasaray in Turkey for a must-win Champions League battle.