Manchester United great Roy Keane has claimed that the fixture congestion his former side faces ahead of their Carabao Cup final will not have any impact on the Red Devils, as they take on Leeds United twice in the space of four days this month.
Leeds were initially due to play Man United at Old Trafford back in September, but the game was postponed due to The Queen's death. With both sides winning their respective FA Cup fourth round matches last month - and therefore avoiding replays - the re-arranged date was finally confirmed for February 8.
But just four days later, the Whites will welcome Erik ten Hag's side back to Elland Road in the reverse fixture on February 12. Man United have a hectic schedule this month that includes a two-legged Europa League play-off match vs Barcelona and their Carabao Cup final vs Newcastle - on top of both Leeds games - with two more matches against Crystal Palace and Leicester City to contend with as well.
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As the focus starts to shift what is set to be two intense matches between Jesse Marsch's side and Man United, Keane has now claimed that a busy schedule will have zero impact on Ten Hag's squad.
Speaking to Sky Sports after their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the second-leg of the League Cup semi-final, Keane said: "Listen, don’t fall for that nonsense that people say about fixtures. You have a big squad, you’re playing for Man United, you’re expected to be competing for trophies in big games, and this run of games I think is fantastic.
"Busy schedule, playing midweek means you’re being successful. Cup competitions, European games against Barcelona coming up - brilliant. That’s what you want. When you sign that contract to come here to Man United you’re coming here to win trophies.
"Last year was nowhere good enough, now they’re back involved, they’re competing, and that’s what you want. The manager has said it many times before, it’s about keep working hard and learning and that’s what you do as a Manchester United player. You’re at Manchester United to compete and win trophies, just get down with it."
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