The Bigger Picture: Reds On The Road

Manchester United continued a run of fabulous free-scoring form with the 4-1 defeat of Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The comfortable triumph sets up a fourth-round tie at Swansea City, where Jose Mourinho's men won our first away game of the 2017/18 season.

Speaking about the run, the manager said on Friday: "It is difficult, but it means it's going to be easier later. If we play now, CSKA in Moscow and Benfica in Lisbon, it means, later, we are going to play them at Old Trafford. 

"If we have consecutive matches away at Liverpool and Huddersfield it means later we will play them at Old Trafford, so I'm never too worried about matches home and away because the number of matches is going to be the same.

"I know it's difficult to play at home, but it's difficult to play away - probably a bit more difficult to play away but, if we cannot win, we try to get a point. We go to win every match but, if it's not possible to win all the time, we get points, and then try to compensate with good form at home."

The Reds will be frequently on the road during an upcoming spell that now incorporates six of the next seven fixtures away from Old Trafford. The taxing run begins at Southampton this weekend and, following a long journey to Russia to face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, there is at least a home clash with Crystal Palace to face on our return.

Another international break will lead to a number of United stars representing their country and the anticipation will no doubt reach fever pitch for the resumption of the Premier League because a date at Anfield with Liverpool is set for 14 October, to kick off that round of matches.

The following Wednesday, United are in Lisbon for a classic Champions League tie against 1968 European Cup final opponents Benfica, 50 seasons on from that famous meeting. The next assignment is breaking new ground for the club as we perform at Huddersfield Town's John Smith Stadium for the first time. The Terriers have made a good start to life in the Premier League and will no doubt be relishing the chance to welcome the Reds to their home.

Finally, the seven-match spell ends with the Carabao Cup tie at the Liberty Stadium and another clash in South Wales. The challenges presented will be a real test for Jose's men but the early signs are the Reds are capable of handling such a problematic schedule, particularly with a number of players already in top form. 

And spare a thought for the hardy and loyal supporters who follow the club home and abroad, with so many miles being clocked up during this period. The Red Army can be relied upon for their backing to help us overcome any difficult moments in such varying arenas.