Match preview: United v Swansea City
Setting the scene... After the final international break of the campaign, the Reds return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when an in-form Swansea City are the visitors to Old Trafford. It's the start of what could be a potentially season-defining period of nine games, with the possibility of a 10th if we reach the FA Cup final at Wembley. Jose Mourinho's men will be looking to further consolidate second place in the league and ensure some vital momentum heading into next weekend's eagerly anticipated Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.
What's the team news?
During the international break, Scott McTominay was forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad after making his debut against Costa Rica, while Sergio Romero injured his knee in the first half of Argentina's 6-1 defeat against Spain. Marcos Rojo, who played the full 90 minutes in the friendly in Madrid, and Ander Herrera could return to the fold after missing the last few games through injury, but Phil Jones and Daley Blind have remained sidelined. Paul Pogba and Ashley Young both picked up knocks on international duty, but will be hoping to be fit for Saturday's game. The boss could give an update on his squad in Friday's pre-match press conference.
How are Swansea City doing? After looking favourites to be relegated earlier in the season, the Swans have been transformed under head coach Carlos Carvalhal. The former Sheffield Wednesday manager took charge of the Swans in late December with the club bottom of the Premier League and four points from safety. In his four-month tenure so far, the 52-year-old has guided the Welsh side out of the relegation zone to 14th and, crucially, three points above the bottom three. During this run, they have recorded notable victories over Liverpool and Arsenal on their own patch, while the Swans also drew 1-1 at Old Trafford in last season's corresponding fixture.
What's our record against Swansea like?
United have an impressive record against Saturday's visitors, winning 21 of the 31 matches played in league and cup between the two sides. The Reds' home record in particular stands out, with the Swans only claiming three points at the Theatre of Dreams once - the opening day of the 2014/15 campaign. United are currently on a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions against the Swans and will be aiming to make it five this weekend.
What happened earlier in the season?
The Reds visited the Liberty Stadium for their second Premier League game of the campaign and ran riot in the second half. Eric Bailly scored his first United goal just before the break before a devastating spell of three goals in the space of four minutes from Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial late on sealed an impressive 4-0 win. United also made a second visit to south Wales in the Carabao Cup in October, when Jesse Lingard bagged a brace in a 2-0 victory.
One to watch:
After failing trials with Bournemouth and Millwall earlier in his career, defender Alfie Mawson completed a remarkable rise when receiving his first England call-up this month. The 24-year old's solid performances have helped Swansea climb up the Premier League table in recent weeks. The commanding centre-back possesses a threat from set-pieces and has scored three goals in all competitions this season, including a crucial winner against Liverpool in January. Since Carvalhal came to the club, Mawson has been part of a defence that has kept three clean sheets from the Swans' last 10 matches, and will be hopeful of keeping another shut-out.
Did you know?
The Easter weekend has been a positive period for United in recent years. Over the last five seasons, the Reds have picked up 12 points from the Bank Holiday fixtures, the second-best record in the division.
Milestone beckons for Red Rom:
Romelu Lukaku could reach a key landmark in his career this weekend, as the Reds' no.9 is one strike away from his 100th Premier League goal. The Belgian striker scored 17 goals for West Bromwich Albion during a season-long loan from Chelsea in 2012/13 as well as 68 goals in four years at Everton and his 14 in the league this season for the Reds. Lukaku has scored 12 goals in 15 games for United and Belgium in 2018, after netting twice in his country's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night.
Who's the referee?
Bobby Madley will take charge of a game at Old Trafford for the first time this season this weekend. The Yorkshireman has officiated only one United match so far this season, which ironically was against Swansea in the Carabao Cup at the Liberty Stadium. The 32-year-old will be assisted by Marc Perry and Mick McDonough, while Anthony Taylor takes up the role of fourth official.
Rivals watch... The Reds' clash with Swansea is part of a full programme of Premier League action this weekend. Here's the fixture list:
Saturday 31 March (15:00 BST unless stated)
Crystal Palace v Liverpool (12:30 BST)
Brighton & Hove Albion v Leicester City
Manchester United v Swansea City
Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town
Watford v Bournemouth
West Bromwich Albion v Burnley
West Ham United v Southampton
Everton v Manchester City (17:30 BST)
Sunday 1 April
Arsenal v Stoke City (13:30 BST)
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (16:00 BST)