Steve Bruce has asked his players to focus one more time before the international break in their Saturday night clash against Burnley (8pm).
The Clarets will arrive on Tyneside with no points on the board in the top-flight and were convincingly beaten by Manchester City at Turf Moor in midweek.
United's encounter with Burnley will be the final opponents of what has been a hectic start to the season with seven matches since September 12.
When asked if United's start to the campaign would be classed as a success with seven points from 12 and a place in the quarter-finals of the League Cup in the bag, Bruce said: "If we can. do it...
"I am never one for excuses and it's been difficult.
"It's been difficult in terms of matches played, that was our sixth in 30 days.
"And we have accumulated an opportunity.
"Can we go and perform against Burnley and see what we can do?"
Burnley boss Sean Dyche goes into the clash at St James' Park facing a battle with his board for new signings.
Dyche said: "We have been very unfortunate with injuries.
"We are stretched.
"The players are giving me everything. I've mentioned it for a number of months now - it's down to the chairman and the board to make those decisions."
