Five Manchester United fixtures in March could dictate Erik ten Hag's first season

It's fair to say that February was the perfect month for Manchester United. What started with a win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup ended with Erik ten Hag's side lifting the trophy. It also saw the Reds register 10 points from their four Premier League matches, while also overcoming Barcelona in their Europa League play-off tie.

In truth, it has been a good year so far for the Reds. Since the break in the campaign for the World Cup in Qatar, United have won 16 matches and remain the only side in England still capable of winning four trophies this term. With the Carabao Cup in the bank, Ten Hag's men - whether or not they admit it - are in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple.

This calendar year has also been forward Marcus Rashford take his game to the next level. The England ace has netted 15 goals in 17 appearances since the season resumed in late December, with the 25-year-old having registered 25 goals and nine assists in 39 matches in all competitions this campaign.

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Evidently, then, the past couple of months have been enjoyable for everyone associated with United. The first trophy since 2017 is evidence of the progress the club have made under Ten Hag since his arrival at Old Trafford, but the Dutchman is not content with just that - he is desperate for more, and this month could be crucial in his quest for success.

United defeated West Ham on Wednesday night in their first match in March, thanks to an own goal from Nayef Aguerd and strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Fred. The Reds - as they have done in all three cup competitions at some stage this season - came from behind to set up a quarter-final clash with Premier League rivals