When do Man Utd play first after the World Cup?
By Euan Burns
It already feels like a long time since men's club football above League One was played in England which means that Manchester United fans have had to keep watching the highlights of Alejandro Garnacho's last-minute winner against Fulham from back before the current break.
Yet with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar already getting into the latter stages, fans are beginning to make plans for the return of club football and the matches are going to be coming thick and fast.
It will be intriguing to see which players who featured at the World Cup go straight into action for their clubs, or if there will be a period of squad rotation and youngsters getting some meaningful minutes.
Here is a look at how Manchester United will be getting back into action once the World Cup ends on December 18.
Who do Manchester United play first after the World Cup?
Manchester United's first match after the World Cup is going to take place just three days after the World Cup final. On Wednesday 21 December, Erik ten Hag's team will be at home against Vincent Kompany's Burnley in the Carabao Cup.
Having beaten Aston Villa 4-2 in an entertaining game in the previous round, United will hope for another victory and the chance to keep the dream of silverware under the new boss alive.
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What other games do Manchester United have coming up after the World Cup?
Compared to some, Manchester United are eased back into action a bit more favourably. After the match against Burnley in the Carabao Cup, the Premier League action kicks back in.
United will be at home to struggling Nottingham Forest on Tuesday 27 December, meaning there is no Boxing Day match for United fans to look forward to.
That is followed by a New Year's Eve trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers who recently changed coach and will be looking to get some points on the board under Julen Lopetegui.
A home game against Bournemouth is set for Tuesday 3 January before the FA Cup third-round tie against Everton on 6 January.
After that though, United better hope they have got some more points on the board as host Manchester City and travel to Arsenal in quick succession.
How are Manchester United doing this season?
It has been a very mixed campaign for Manchester United so far this season under Erik ten Hag. The start was poor, but a run of four Premier League wins in a row meant that optimism began to grow.
It would be fair to say that the form has levelled out and the Red Devils are certainly serious contenders to finish in the top four, especially now that the Cristiano Ronaldo debacle is behind them.
United are sat in fifth, three points behind Tottenham in fourth who have played one game more.