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Manchester United face Leeds United tonight. According to British media statistics, United's current 24-day gap between matches is even longer than Chelsea's summer break last year.
Manchester United have been granted an almost unprecedented period of time to prepare for the season's final stretch. While other clubs are exhaustedly trying to adjust their rhythm for the most crucial run-in of the campaign, United have been enjoying a hiatus. This 24-day break is effectively a 'reward' for United's earlier defeats, which had nothing to do with Michael Carrick. Omitted from European competitions and knocked out early in domestic cups, United are experiencing their longest mid-season break in 111 years.
Before the international break, United played the earliest fixture of the Premier League round against Bournemouth, and this Monday, they face Leeds United in the final match of the current round. While United have been resting and recuperating, Arsenal have played four matches. Of greater significance to United and the Champions League race: Liverpool have also played four games in that period, while Chelsea and Aston Villa have each played three. In fact, United's 24-day gap between matches is even longer than Chelsea's summer break last year, and also longer than Manchester City's pre-season preparation period.
Of course, the international break has also brought inconveniences to United, though the only player who participated in official matches was Altay Bayındır, who was only an unused substitute in Turkey's World Cup European qualifier playoff. After the international break, United's international players enjoyed a few days off before reconvening to prepare in Ireland.
While most managers are scrambling with their team's fixture congestion, United have been able to hold a four-day 'high-intensity' training camp, equivalent to a 'mini pre-season' ahead of the final push. This has also given Carrick and his players the chance to build fitness and work on tactical systems.
Indeed, United have already benefited from longer breaks earlier this season. In February, they had a 12-day break before beating Everton, and last month, they used an 11-day preparation period to eventually defeat Aston Villa. United and Carrick now have no excuses left. If from this point onward, United cannot smoothly secure a Champions League spot, the club's hierarchy may move to appoint their ideal managerial candidate they have long earmarked.
