Man. United's Fixture Problem

Jose Mourinho has bemoaned Manchester United's fixture congestion as they fight for success in the Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League. But just how bad is their schedule?

United could still have 25 matches to play, should they progress in all competitions. That's nearly twice as many as rivals Liverpool, who are guaranteed to have just 13 remaining fixtures.

In fact, they could be set for nearly one game every four days on average until the end of the season.

United's progress to the final of Sunday's EFL Cup means the scheduled Premier League Manchester derby has been postponed.

In addition, their FA Cup quarter-final at Chelsea on March 11 means they must find a new date for their planned league clash with Southampton.

Mourinho's men travel to St Etienne for their second leg Europa League tie on Wednesday night with a commanding 3-0 advantage from last week's Old Trafford tie.

But if they do reach the last 16 of that competition, it could seriously harm their Premier League top-four hopes and FA Cup ambitions.

The first leg of United's potential last 16 Europa League tie would be played on Thursday, March 9, just days before their FA Cup clash at Chelsea.

The second leg of the European tie would take place ahead of a Premier League trip to Middlesbrough on March 19.

Balancing United's commitments will get even tougher for Mourinho should the team go on to reach the last eight of the Europa League.

A quarter-final tie is scheduled ahead of a Premier League fixture with Chelsea, while league games at Arsenal and Tottenham would follow semi-final legs.

If United progressed to the Europa League and the FA Cup finals, they would play their final Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on May 21, before travelling to Stockholm for the Europa League final on May 24 and returning to Wembley for May 27.

Credit: Skysports.com