Erik ten Hag will have entered the international break with a lot less pressure on his shoulders than he might have done. His late Scott McTominay punt against Brentford paid off beyond anything he may have hoped and he will be thanking his lucky stars that his number came up on that throw of the dice.
He now has some breathing space to reflect and rejuvenate. A trip to lowly Sheffield United awaits with the Blades rock bottom of the table with a mere point to their name.
Anything but a Man Utd win at Bramall Lane will heap the heat back onto the Dutchman. READ MORE: De Gea sends United fans wild with Instagram story READ MORE: Manchester United injury round-up and return dates While keeping an eye on what happens across Europe and beyond, Ten Hag will also be keen to assess his players who remain in-house.
Here are three things he will wish to look at ahead of the trip to Sheffield. Victor Lindelof was forced off with a complaint against Brentford, leaving United with just three fit defenders.