Bruno Fernandes demands highlight Manchester United's biggest issue

It has felt like a gruelling season for Manchester United. That's because it has been. Their weekend trip to West Ham came just two days after the trip to Brighton, with United defeated just as much as they were depleted at the London Stadium.

It's easy to pick apart players and criticise them for back-to-back defeats that have thrown the top-four race wide open, but United's biggest issue is one that has been unavoidable.

United started well against both Brighton and West Ham, creating a number of good chances, but tailed off in the later stages, having become drained of ideas and energy.

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This is a team that is running on empty and burning out at a time when it matters most. It is perhaps no surprise either, given the demands of a season like no other.

United have already played 57 matches this season and will have played 62 by the time the campaign finally comes to an end. Liverpool will play 52 games this season, Newcastle 46, and Arsenal 49.

Even if Man City reach the Champions League final, they will have played one fewer match than United this season and could win a treble in the process.

When you throw in the World Cup factor into the equation as well, it is frightening just how much playing time some have had this season and remarkable that they are still managing to play so often. It leaves Erik ten Hag with an unenviable dilemma as he approaches the final five matches of the season, knowing wins are needed to keep their Champions League dream alive but that his players don't have much more to give.

No player in Europe has played more matches this season than Bruno Fernandes, with 54 for his club and another