Having got very used to playing multiple games a week this season, our game against Man Utd comes after a six day break that will have afforded Howe and the players some much needed rest after a gruelling few weeks of fixtures.
“It has been nice to have a couple of days without a game. Without that intense feeling that you always have when you are playing (every few days), giving the players a chance to come down from what is always a high from playing and the adrenaline that comes with a match.“It has been a good time but also an important time that we don’t lose our rhythm and that we feel regenerated.
“Since the last international break, bar one performance, I think it’s been really positive. Hopefully, the squad get some time with their families but we will be in training on Christmas Day.”
Friday’s opponents last played on Sunday afternoon and fell to a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park. Blighted by injuries, including to main man Bruno Fernandes, another win for us at a historical bogey venue is certainly looking doable.
But Howe isn’t taking our opponents lightly, as even with their run of form, there’s no denying Ruben Amorim a much-improved side compared to the team we beat 2-0 last season.
“Statistically, they are a lot stronger than last season. They have seen big improvements in their general performances. They have been competitive and attacking wise, they have some big threats.I think it will be a really good game, a tough game, for us and a good opportunity at Christmas to enjoy the magnitude of these game. The atmosphere will be special but I think we expect a slightly different Man United.”
Howe on injuries
As difficult an injury spell as Man Utd are going through, we can unfortunately relate. With many of his key players either touch-and-go or definitely ruled out, Howe acknowledges that it will be a tough test without them.
Tino Livramento is a huge miss, even with Lewis Miley doing well deputising at full back, and Howe has no further update on when the England international can next be expected back.
“It is a difficult one because there is quite a bit of information on Tino.“We are waiting to get full clarification but, hopefully, it’s not serious at all and he can resume training quite quickly.
“Before confirming that, we want to be sure it’s right. We haven’t got clarity on that [yet] but hopefully it’s good news.”
Sven Botman has endured a nightmare few weeks on the sidelines: one that certainly won’t end on Friday or in 2025 at the very least if Howe’s words hint at anything.
“Sven will be in the category of the group of players that are doing well. We hope to get him back pretty soon. When that day is, I’m not 100% sure.“He hasn’t trained with the group yet but potentially good news. We don’t think he’s too far away.”
After some questionable goalkeeping against Chelsea on Saturday, Aaron Ramsdale will be under pressure to deliver a big performance at Old Trafford.
But will he even be the starting choice? Nick Pope seems ready to return any day now, and we know that the former Burnley man is one of Howe and the squad’s most valued players. The manager has kept his cards close to his chest over who will start between the sticks however.
“There is a chance [he will be in the matchday squad for Man U].“He hasn’t trained yet but we hope he might train today so let’s see how he does.”
