Erik ten Hag might be three games away from discovering his Manchester United priority

The resumption of the Premier League campaign this weekend will mark the beginning of the final sprint to the finish line for many.

For Manchester United, however, it could mark the beginning of another fixture marathon. Already 46 games deep into the first season of the Erik ten Hag era, the Reds could play up to another 19 matches before the season reaches its conclusion, should they progress to the finals of both the FA Cup and Europa League.

United signed off for the international break by reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup to book a last-four date with Brighton at Wembley next month, meaning they are still in with a chance of winning three major trophies this term. They won the Carabao Cup last month, defeating Sunday's opponents Newcastle United, to end their six-year wait for a trophy, meaning there is now a hunger for more silverware before the end of the campaign.

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United's progress in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and the Europa League this season has meant that their fixture schedule has often had a theme of alternating between a league fixture and a cup match. It has meant United have endured both a relentless and demanding schedule, particularly since the World Cup.

Although that has meant they are in with a strong chance of ending the season with yet more silverware, it has, even if only slightly, derailed their hopes of wrapping up a top-four berth, which was their top priority at the beginning of the season, without too much fuss. The Reds have won just three of their last eight league matches.

While it is by no means disastrous, highlighted by the fact they are currently third in the standings, it is a record they will hope to