Manchester United's next three matches in eight days will define Michael Carrick's tenure, with the Reds 12th in the Premier League and out of the Carabao Cup after a poor start.
The international break came at a good time for Carrick after a string of disappointing results, although he won't admit it. The Manchester derby defeat was followed by a loss to Brighton in the Carabao Cup despite going two goals up, and a 1-1 draw against Fulham offered little reassurance before the pause.
Pressure mounting at Old Trafford
There was speculation about Carrick's future after Brighton, which saw the players disappear down the tunnel to a chorus of "what the f****** hell was that?", the closest the Stretford End will get to mutiny.
The next few weeks will define Carrick's tenure. They wouldn't have been so important if United had made a good start, but the Reds are 12th in the Premier League and have crashed out of the Carabao Cup, which has cranked up the pressure on Carrick, rightly or wrongly.
The United boss is always under pressure - part and parcel of the role - but a few bad defeats invite the media to speculate about how much longer he has in charge. While Carrick is the perfect personality to navigate the external noise, he does need results to quell niggling doubts.
Three games in eight days
The period between the September international break, which has just passed, and the November international break has claimed many a manager in the Premier League, so Carrick is aware that his team need to hit the ground running when domestic action returns this weekend.
Tottenham is a massive game on Saturday, especially with United playing Atletico Madrid and Leeds away in their next two. Those three games come in just eight days and will have a huge bearing on Carrick's future.
Spurs are at the bottom of the Premier League and have failed to score in all but one of their league matches, despite spending £334m over the summer, so it would be a hammer blow if United were to lose to them at home. On the other hand, a win under the floodlights at Old Trafford would provide momentum and confidence ahead of two tricky away games. A draw would be acceptable, if not ideal.
Champions League and Leeds test
Atletico Madrid will likely be the favourites to beat United regardless of the outcome of the Tottenham fixture. The Spaniards are second in La Liga and have a strong record at the atmospheric Metropolitano Stadium.
The game should suit United in many ways, however, as they will be able to soak up pressure and counter-attack, which is how Carrick has secured the finest victories of his tenure up to this stage. The match feels like a free hit to some extent for United, as it will not decide whether they progress to the Champions League knockout stage, but it is important to secure a positive result ahead of a trip to Elland Road.
If United draw against Tottenham and fail to put up a fight against Atletico, Leeds will smell blood on home turf. They have looked like a well-coached team this season, picking apart Newcastle at Elland Road, and their fans will be up for the occasion when United visit, as they always are.
What Carrick needs from the run
It's going to be a crucial eight days for Carrick. Losing all three matches is not an option, as he will have one foot out the door if that happens, but five points would be enough to serve as a springboard.
Even a win and a draw from games against Tottenham and Leeds, and a defeat against Atletico, would probably be enough to quell the noise, but the period after that run doesn't get much easier.
United will face Como (away), Bournemouth (home), Chelsea (away), Roma (home) and Aston Villa (home) before the next international break, so Carrick must restore some positivity before that stretch. Every game is big when United are involved, but the next few feel particularly big given the context of the season so far.
