Favourable run of games which could shape Man Utd's season – starting with Everton

Two successive wins against their rivals and suddenly Man Utd’s season has been turned on its head.

A dismal run which saw the Red Devils collect just two wins out of nine in the Premier League looked to have heaped pressure on boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of a crucial week.

But his side delivered impressive back-to-back winning performances against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham and neighbours Man City in the derby to jump up to fifth in the table.

Now just five points off the coveted top four spots, United face a favourable run of fixtures which could well define their season – starting with Sunday’s clash with Everton .

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a decent run of fixtures coming up for his side
(Image: PA)

Whilst the prospect of facing the Toffees has perhaps been made more difficult by Duncan Ferguson’s presence in the dugout, it’s worth remembering this is an Everton side with just four wins on their travels this calendar year.

Ferguson got his reign off to a perfect start with a win over Chelsea , but away from the comforts of Goodison Park is a different test, and one that United should relish following their recent results.

United have then been handed a home draw against Colchester in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, which gives them a real opportunity for some silverware under Solskjaer, and a chance to rest some senior players.

United have come into form at the right time
(Image: Getty Images)

Their league run then sees them visit bottom club Watford the following weekend, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Newcastle will undoubtedly prove a challenge, but United will be keen to reverse October’s loss at St James’ Park where the Red Devils were far from their best.

They could also be boosted by the return of star man Paul Pogba, who is on track to recover from his injury in time for the fixture.

A trip to Burnley follows two days later, who are on a run of three straight defeats, and with a disappointing record against the big sides this campaign.

There's a chance for United to avenge their October defeat to Newcastle — There’s a chance for United to avenge their October defeat to Newcastle
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile over the course of the festive fixtures, fourth-placed Chelsea face London derbies away at both top four challengers Tottenham and Arsenal .

Should United emerge from all four of their league fixtures with close to maximum points, they stand a good chance of overtaking a Blues side who’ve been beaten twice in succession.

United then have an extra 24 hours to prepare for the New Year’s Day clash with the Gunners at the Emirates.

Arsenal are currently in turmoil, and coming off the back of a grudge match with Chelsea is hardly ideal preparation to welcome United.

Pogba is expected to make his long-awaited return over the busy Christmas period
(Image: PA)

Solskjaer’s men then have just three days rest before the FA Cup clash against Wolves at Molineux, where United were knocked out last season.

However Wolves come into that fixture off the back of playing both Man City and Liverpool within the space of 48 hours, followed by Watford.

United then host a Norwich side at Old Trafford who have earned just four points on their travels this season.

Their run of games ends prior to an away tie at rivals Liverpool on January 19.

Although the current league leaders face a hectic Christmas schedule, before starting their bogey month with fixtures against Sheffield Utd and Tottenham, as well as a Merseyside derby in the FA Cup.