Erik ten Hag is about to test his Manchester United theory

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.

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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. The Super Lig giants are known for creating a hostile environment for visitors and United will enter a colosseum at RAMS Park.

Anything but a victory will see United exit the competition at the first stage. If victories are not gathered in those two matches then the pressure ramps up significantly for the trip to St James’ Park.

United have been beaten by Newcastle twice since their League Cup final win over the Magpies and many onlookers believe a draw for the Reds on Tyneside would be a good result.

Each match has a knock-on effect. In terms of what is at stake, the clash against Galatasaray is clearly the most important but perhaps what happens at Everton has greater poignancy.

A defeat would see United fly to Turkey low on confidence, and perhaps make them more liable to melt under the pressure against Galatasaray. Newcastle still have an axe to grind for the Carabao Cup final defeat so