How Manchester United return from international break could define their season

It will feel like a lifetime ago since Manchester United travelled to Anfield and returned with a cloud hanging above them. Most fans, then, would have been grateful at the timing of the international break, giving them an opportunity to lick their wounds and prepare themselves for the final push of the season.

No one should be more relieved about the break from club action, and the potential it has to reinvigorate the team, than the club itself. The infamous 7-0 defeat at old rivals Liverpool was the sort of result that will be remembered long after the campaign finishes, but it’s one that the United's players can’t afford to dwell on.

It has the power to completely derail a season that looked promising not too long ago, or to inspire the team to never have a repeat performance of that humiliation.

ALSO READ: Ralf Rangnick confirms Man Utd's Marcel Sabitzer has injury problem

Based on what happened prior to the international break, which direction United go from here could be the difference between a good season and a great one.

In the wake of the Anfield disaster, United made light work of a Real Betis side sitting fifth in La Liga, running out 5-1 victors over the two legs of their Europa League tie.

Although Sporting Lisbon highlighted the potential of the proverbial banana skin in their triumph over Arsenal, this was a contest that United were always expected to win convincingly. The fact that they were able to do so should have been a testament to the character and mentality of the players.

Games played in a domestic setting seemed to contradict this at times, highlighting the work that still needs to be done, no matter how positive the mood has become on the red half of Manchester.

Coming either side of the