With a fully fit squad, Manchester United can put pressure on the Premier League leaders

Manchester United’s lack of form of late hasn’t yet severely damaged title hopes, and reinforcements have come just in time to ignite the team ahead of an uninterrupted Premier League schedule.

Before we get too carried away, remember United won 4-1 against Newcastle, a decent but strictly mid-table team. However the victory is important for the reason of getting United’s title push back on track ahead of a tough run of games.

Last season, this was about the time that José Mourinho’s men began their unbeaten run that went on in the league until April. Although impressive, the streak was dominated by draws, which ultimately killed off United’s top four hopes.

This season things are looking different for both the red and the blue halves of Manchester, but United have some catching up to do.

That is why the return of Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Pogba, and even Marcos Rojo could inject life back into United’s starting 11, which has struggled to produce consistently over the last few matches.

Pogba was running the show against Newcastle on Saturday, and it was a welcome sight for United fans. His presence also allowed Juan Mata more freedom, and there was no stopping United’s midfield in the second half.

Ibrahimović made his comeback as well, and though he was on the pitch for only 15 minutes or so, he made sure to remind fans what he was capable of with a venomous volley. There was no spectacular goal to mark the occasion, but more important than anything is that he looked healthy and hungry for more football.

In the weeks leading up the new year, United will face 2 opponents each week, including tough matches at Watford, at Arsenal, and home against Manchester City.

City could drop points over the tough winter schedule after sprinting out of the gate, but United can only control their own performance. However, with a healthy squad it’s certainly possible to put the pressure on the leaders.