Manchester United must do what they've not done after five previous wins this season

There have been so many corners turned at Manchester United this season that the players and staff could be forgiven for feeling a sense of dizziness. It's been a campaign of extremes and false dawns.

But there's no doubt the festive period bought renewed hope. The confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority investment into the club on Christmas Eve and then a restorative, feel-good success against Aston Villa on Boxing Day. United fans got their presents either side of Christmas Day this year.

The manner of that win against Villa, coming with Sir Dave Brailsford sat in the directors' box, felt positive. There was a return to form for Marcus Rashford, a clinical edge from Alejandro Garnacho and a first Premier League goal for Rasmus Hojund. Having looked like a team in disarray at the break, the night ended with momentum firmly behind Erik ten Hag and his players.

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The problem is, we've been here before and on the evidence of what this season has produced, those supporters making the trip to the City Ground on Saturday could just as easily be seeking refunds for the hope that Christmas has given them by the time 2023 comes to an end.

In United's season of boom or bust - 12 wins, 13 defeats and just two draws - there have been successes that have been declared turning points before. They weren't. If that pattern continues then the claims will no longer be worth listening to. If Ten Hag is to truly turn this tanker around, he needs to build on that display. Otherwise, the comeback will have even more similarities with the 3-2 win against Newcastle in October 2018.

On that day, United trailed by two