With Manchester United's Christmas fixture list cut relatively short due to a Covid-related layoff in the camp, Ralf Rangnick's side still have some stern tests to come in the opening few weeks of 2022.
Currently positioned in 7th place in the Premier League table, the Reds have games in hand over some of their nearest rivals, as the second half of the 21/22 campaign swings into action.
Unbeaten in their last seven outings, the interim boss will be hoping his team can push on and close the gap even further across their next six games.
With the aim of European qualification for next season while competing in both the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, United will be hoping the next few weeks can play a pivotal part in their season.
Here, MEN Sport takes a look at the Reds' next six Premier League fixtures, as we compare them to top-four rivals Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham's coming games.
Burnley at Old Trafford
The prospect of the Clarets' visit may not initially ring any alarm bells, but given their recent good fortunes, United should approach the fixture with caution.
Burnley head to Old Trafford having lost just once in their last five visits, including a memorable 2-0 win over the Reds in January 2020, after two 2-2 draws in consecutive seasons before that.
Despite only winning once so far this season, Sean Dyche's side will be looking to cause an upset against Ralf Rangnick's team.
Wolves at Old Trafford
Looking to complete a domestic double over Bruno Lage's side this season, Wolves are next to visit the Theatre of Dreams on January 3.
Sitting just one place behind the Reds' at the time of writing, United will see this as a must-win encounter heading into the business end of 21/22 campaign.
Having only beaten United once since returning to the Premier League in 2018, Wanderers will look to cause an upset in less than a weeks time.
Aston Villa at Old Trafford
In the third successive home game across 12 days for Ralf Rangnick's side, Steven Gerrard will bring his Aston Villa side to the North West in the 3rd round of this season's FA Cup.
Looking to progress on home soil, the Reds will hope to potentially go deep into this season's primary cup competition in a bid for their first trophy success since 2017.
Villa have largely improved since Gerrard's arrival and will be no easy touch when the two sides clash on January 10.
Aston Villa at Villa Park
The Reds have an immediate rematch as they go to Villa Park just five days after their FA Cup tie.
Having not lost at Villa since 1999, it is once again another chance to gain much needed ground on their European qualification rivals.
Whether Rangnick chooses to prioritise the cup or league encounter however remains to be seen, given they are so closely scheduled.
West Ham at Old Trafford
In what could be a huge afternoon at the Theatre of Dreams, David Moyes will bring his side north to face United on January 22.
Having qualified for the UEFA Europa League last season, the Hammers have solidified their plans to do so again in 21/22.
With the likes of Michail Antonio, Jarod Bowen and Declan Rice all ones to watch, it will no doubt make for a fast-paced encounter in just over three weeks time.
Burnley at Turf Moor
The first of Ralf Rangnick's February fixtures sees a trip to east Lancashire for the reverse battle against the Clarets.
Scheduled an 8pm kick-off on February 8, United will hope to once more push further up the table closer to those all-important Champions League spots.
But with a no doubt lively Turf Moor crowd behind them, no easy encounter is guaranteed for the former Leipzig boss' and his side.
Here's how those fixtures compare to their European rivals:
West Ham's next six fixtures
Crystal Palace (A) - Premier League
Leeds United (H) - FA Cup
Leeds United (H) - Premier League
Manchester United (A) - Premier League
Watford (H) - Premier League
Leicester City (A) - Premier League
Tottenham's next six fixtures
Watford (A) - Premier League
Chelsea (A) - Carabao Cup
Morecambe (H) - FA Cup
Chelsea (H) - Carabao Cup
Arsenal (H) - Premier League
Chelsea (A) - Premier League
Arsenal next six fixtures
Manchester City (H) - Premier League
Liverpool (H) - Carabao Cup
Nottingham Forest (A) - FA Cup
Liverpool (A) - Carabao Cup
Tottenham (A) - Premier League
Burnley (H) - Premier League
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