The week ahead for Manchester United

With five games, three birthdays, two notable anniversaries and the closing of the transfer window, it looks like being another seven busy days for Manchester United. Here's our guide to what we know lies ahead...

MONDAY
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will begin the week by addressing the media in the first of two pre-match press conferences in five days. As well as giving updates on the squad’s preparations for the Burnley clash, the caretaker manager will no doubt be asked one last time if any ins and outs are likely as we inch closer to transfer deadline day.

After Friday night's excellent 3-1 away win over Arsenal, we have the Emirates FA Cup fifth-round draw to look forward to in the evening. The procedure will take place at around 19:20 GMT and we'll be represented by ball number 15 of 16. Other Premier League teams in the hat include Watford (number 10) and Manchester City (12).

Meanwhile, it will be five years since our midfield maestro Juan Mata made his debut for United. The Spaniard’s first outing in a red shirt came against Cardiff City, then managed by a certain Norwegian by the name of Solskjaer. On the day, goals from Robin van Persie and Ashley Young saw us run out as 2-0 winners.

TUESDAY
Burnley will provide the opposition as we return to Old Trafford for the first time since our 2-1 victory against Brighton and Hove Albion on 19 January. A Romelu Lukaku double inspired the Reds to victory when we faced the Clarets earlier in the season, and another three points this time around would see us close the gap on our top-four rivals. A win would at least temporarily move Solskjaer’s men level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, who are in action against Bournemouth the following evening.

WEDNESDAY
Former Reds striker Dimitar Berbatov celebrates his 38th birthday. In four years at Old Trafford, the Bulgarian played 149 times for United, netted 56 goals and helped us to win two Premier League titles, the Club World Cup, the League Cup and two Community Shields.

THURSDAY
One of the busiest days for 24/7 sports news channels will reach fever pitch in TV studios in the hours, minutes and seconds until the January transfer window slams shut at 23:00 GMT. Solskjaer has already stated he does not expect to make any signings this month, but should that change, you'll see the details confirmed first on ManUtd.com of course.

As we continue to celebrate 20 years since our Treble-winning season, Thursday marks the anniversary of our 1-0 away win against Charlton Athletic. Dwight Yorke was on target at The Valley on 31 January 1999, and he netted a dramatic 89th-minute winner to ensure we continued our march towards the title.

FRIDAY
Solskjaer will be back in front of the cameras for another press conference as we build up to the weekend clash against Leicester City. Make sure to visit ManUtd.com or keep your eyes on our official app for any news on injuries, squad selection and Ole’s thoughts on the opposition.

The Under-23s return to action as Ricky Sbragia’s youngsters host Southampton at Leigh Sports Village, and kick-off is at 19:00 GMT. As usual, the Reds are live on MUTV and will be looking to carry the form from last Friday's brilliant International Cup win over Paris Saint-Germain into Premier League 2. A win over Saints would see United move to within two points of them.

Our former midfielder Darren Fletcher turns 35, but he might not have much time to celebrate on the eve of Stoke City’s Championship clash against Hull City.

SATURDAY
Our Under-18s will host Middlesbrough at the Aon Training Complex and should be full of confidence after last weekend's 3-2 comeback win over old rivals Liverpool in a Premier League Cup game at Kirkby. The match is live on MUTV and begins at 11:00 GMT.

Meanwhile, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson turns 22. The full-back is currently on loan at Scunthorpe United, who face a tough trip to Barnsley that afternoon.

SUNDAY
United finish another hectic week with two games. Firstly, our women’s team have a long trip to the south coast to face Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup at 12:30 GMT. It will be the first time the Reds have competed in the competition since forming last summer, and provides another chance for Casey Stoney's players to test themselves against a Super League side. Should we overcome the Seagulls, it will be the fourth time we have beaten a club from the women's top tier this season.

Later that afternoon, Solskjaer’s side face a tough trip to Leicester in the return fixture to our opening game of the 2018/19 season. It seems like a long time since we kicked off our campaign against Claude Puel’s side in August, when goals from Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw ensured the Reds took all three points. We are unbeaten in our last three trips to the King Power Stadium, including a memorable 3-0 win in 2017 against Claudio Ranieri’s reigning champions. Sunday’s match kicks off at 14:05 GMT.

Credit: Manutd.com