The week ahead at Manchester United

Manchester United head into the New Year with two huge away games, firstly in the Premier League and then in the Emirates FA Cup.

Meanwhile, our women’s side will return to action on Sunday after a winter break and there are also plenty of significant birthdays to keep an eye out for.

As we begin another busy week, we’ve rounded up everything that’s going on at United over the next seven days…

MONDAY

Later today, the poll for our latest Player of the Month award will open on our Official App. Three Reds will be nominated, based on their displays throughout December. Daniel James, Scott McTominay (2) and Marcus Rashford have previously scooped the monthly prize this year and it will be intriguing to see if there's a different winner this time around.

TUESDAY

We’ll be wishing many happy returns to two club legends, as Sir Alex Ferguson and Steve Bruce celebrate their birthdays. Sir Alex will turn 78 on New Years’ Eve, while Steve Bruce’s 59th birthday also falls on this day.

WEDNESDAY

Happy New Year! We'll announce our Player of the Month for December at midday and later get on with the business of our first match in 2020 - an evening trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal.

The Reds drew 1-1 with the Gunners at Old Trafford at the end of September, but much has changed at the North London club since then, with former player Mikel Arteta now in the managerial hot seat. The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT and you can keep up to date with the latest goings on via the Match Centre on ManUtd.com and our Official App.

Also on Wednesday, United midfielder Andreas Pereira celebrates his 24th birthday. Hopefully, he’ll enjoy it by helping us collect all three points in the capital.

THURSDAY

It’s a fourth birthday of the week, with Tim Fosu-Mensah turning 22 on this day. The defender has made 21 senior appearances for United so far and will hopefully be available for selection again soon after missing the first part of the season due to injury.

FRIDAY

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to hold his first pre-match press conference of 2020 as we look forward to Saturday's Emirates FA Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Be sure to follow the proceedings live on our Official App and check the latest team news there or on ManUtd.com.

SATURDAY

The Reds travel to the Midlands for what will be our fourth match at Molineux in 10 months and Ole will be seeking a first win there as our manager, after a draw and a defeat in the league and last season's cup exit at the hands of Nuno Espirito Santo’s men. The game begins at the unusual time of 17:31 GMT - the Football Association has decided that all Emirates FA Cup third-round fixtures will be delayed by one minute to encourage fans to take a minute to think about looking after their mental health.

SUNDAY

United Women return to league action for the first time in four weeks when we host Bristol City Women at Leigh Sports Village (12:00 GMT kick-off). The Vixens are currently locked in a relegation battle, having picked up just three points from the first nine games. Meanwhile, a win for Casey Stoney's side could close the gap on third-placed Chelsea.

This day also marks 14 years since Nemanja Vidic joined United. The Serbian, who went on to skipper the Reds, scored 21 goals in 300 appearances, while winning five league titles at Old Trafford and the Champions League in 2008 among other trophies.