Sighs of exasperation were probably exhaled around Old Trafford when it was announced an already hectic January would be stuffed even further with the inclusion of a trip to Crystal Palace.
Manchester United already had to face their neighbours Manchester City and travel to take on table toppers Arsenal in a single week before another journey to London was wedged in. With a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final and FA Cup fourth-round tie to come afterwards. A busy month to say the least.
However, now the timing of the rearranged match-up with Palace has come at a time to give United an unexpected opportunity in their budding hopes for a Premier League title challenge. Erik ten Hag was first asked if winning the league was a possibility after the Bournemouth victory and did his best to pour cold water on the suggestion. That's just got a whole lot more difficult to do.
