The successive victories of Manchester United have allowed them to return to the framework of the places of the Champions League.

United kicked off Ralf Rangnick’s reign with a win as Fred’s second-half strike was enough to knock out Crystal Palace, giving the Reds back-to-back Premier League games for just the second time this season.

Suddenly, the clouds start to clear following the work of interim manager Michael Carrick and interim manager Ralf Rangnick but the problems of the autumn period will be difficult to shake and its importance will only become clearer in May. .

For now, wins against Arsenal and Patrick Vieira’s side have United looking towards European places as they are just three points behind West Ham in fourth.

The Gunners, who face Everton on Monday night, could take the lead again, but the top four or European places at least are within touching distance.

Aston Villa, under Steven Gerrard, took advantage of the ‘new manager’s rebound’ with three of four wins and could start to put pressure on the outskirts of the top of the table.

Here we take a look at Manchester United’s next six fixtures in December, leading up to the New Year.

Young boys at Old Trafford (Champions League)

A professional performance against Villarreal earned the Reds a place in the round of 16 of the Champions League two weeks ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s lavish lob and Jadon Sancho’s first competitive goal for the club helped ease nerves ahead of the campaign’s final group stage game.

The young boys visit on Wednesday, and Rangnick’s team are home and dry with their best head-to-head record against the Yellow Sub, meaning that even though Unai Emery’s team beat Atalanta for get closer to the points, the first place is assured.

Norwich to Carrow Road

The disappointing road loss to Spurs was the first of the Dean Smith era for the Canaries after three unbeaten times. However, they still find themselves at the bottom of the table after Eddie Howe’s side claimed their first league win of the season.

For United, Saturday night’s kickoff gives the interim boss a good bite to eat in the camp as they look to build on their current run.

Assuming there is a rotation in the starting XI midweek, the squad could be replenished and the fringe players could give the 63-year-old something to think about for selection.

Brentford at Brentford Community Stadium

While Thomas Frank’s side have fallen short of their expectations at the start of the season in recent weeks, their unpredictability may prove to be one of the first difficulties for Ralf Rangnick.

Beating Arsenal, holding Liverpool and pushing Chelsea to the brink are already early markers for the Bees as they seek to make their mark in the Premier League and rise through the ranks.

A night under the lights in West London has already proved difficult for some of the top heavy hitters and Brentford will look to maintain his form at home.

Brighton to Old Trafford

The Boos rang in the AMEX stadium after the goalless draw with Leeds United to Graham Potter’s bewilderment, but since then have had two 1-1 draws, the last thanks to a 99th-minute equalizer from Neal Maupay.

Their start to the season saw them among the Champions League contenders, with the Seagulls seen as unlikely European prospects. But for them, their race does not end with Tottenham, Wolves and United on the horizon as they are ninth.

Newcastle to St James’ Park

With their influx of cash there is an air of expectation around the Magpies and as they embark on a busy Christmas schedule their victory over Burnley couldn’t have come at a better time.

Since Mike Ashley left, there has been a new belief in the North East and when the Reds travel to Tyneside two days after Christmas, they will look to create their own belated festive cheer when an old rivalry revives. Rangnick hopes his “control” approach will surpass Eddie Howe’s pragmatic one.

Burnley at Old Trafford

Sean Dyche’s side travel to Old Trafford to mark the last home game of the calendar year for United.

The Reds hope to fight the struggling Clarets, a team with the second away record so far in the Premier League.

Upcoming matches for Manchester United’s top four rivals (Premier League, unless otherwise specified):

Arsenal’s next seven:

Everton (A)

Southampton (H)

West Ham (H)

Lyon (A)

Sunderland (M) – Carabao Cup

Norwich (A)

Wolves (H)

Tottenham’s next seven:

Rennes (H) – Europa League Conference

Brighton (A)

Leicester (A)

Liverpool (H)

West Ham (H) – Carabao Cup

Crystal Palace (H)

Southampton (A)

West Ham’s next seven:

Dinamo Zagreb (M) – Europa League

Burnley (A)

Arsenal (A)

Norwich (H)

Tottenham (A) – Carabao Cup

Southampton (H)

Watford (A)

The next five wolves:

Manchester City (A)

Brighton (A)

Chelsea (H)

Watford (M)

Arsenal (A)

The next five from Aston Villa:

Liverpool (A)

Norwich (A)

Burnley (H)

Chelsea (H)

Leeds United (A)

Brighton’s next five:

Tottenham (H)

Wolves (H)

Manchester United (A)

Brentford (H)

Chelsea (A)

We partnered with LiveScore to invite fans to name their favorite results – games that were more than a score. Name the match that mattered to you here .

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