MANCHESTER UNITED WILL hope to build on their impressive start to the 2017/18 season — with 10 goals scored and none conceded — to keep hold of the only 100% record in the Premier League.
But on Saturday they face a tough task when they travel to face Stoke City in the evening kick-off [5.30pm, bet365 Stadium, live on BT Sport 1].
It’s worth remembering that United won three from three to start last season, before back-to-back losses put paid to their Premier League title challenge before it even started.
But, if Stoke are to take all three points, what factors are likely to play a part?
Take advantage of the international break
Manchester United had no fewer than 17 squad members playing international football over the past week, with Antonio Valencia and Eric Bailly among those picking up the most air miles.
Stoke, meanwhile, saw just eight players head away for the recent World Cup qualifiers so Mark Hughes has had more of his first team squad around to figure out how to solve a problem like United.
After picking up 12 points from 12 following international breaks under Louis van Gaal in 2015/16, the visitors managed just two points from the nine available last season and that must be a worry for Jose Mourinho.
Unleash Jese
Jese, who is on loan at Stoke from PSG, has already had a massive impact for his new side after scoring the winner against Arsenal last month.
After that game, his manager warned that fans could expect much more as the 24-year old was yet to get up to speed in training and his new team-mates.
The former Real Madrid winger is not known for being prolific in front of goal but, after making just 14 starts in a frustrating 2016/17 season, Jese will be keen to impress against United.
Build on their recent record against United
Of the dozen teams that have remained in the Premier League since Alex Ferguson hung up his hairdryer in 2013, Manchester United have failed to beat three of them on the road.
You’d probably guess Chelsea and Spurs within your first three chances, but it might take you a while to get around to Stoke.
David Moyes lost 2-1 on his one trip to the bet365 Stadium, while Van Gaal secured just one point from a possible six. Last season, United needed a 94th minute Wayne Rooney free-kick to leave Stoke with a point.
The title won’t be won or lost on Saturday night, but Stoke will certainly provide a decent barometer of how legitimate United’s challenge is.
In addition to Stoke City v Manchester United, eir Sport has all the heart-stopping action across its seven great sports channels. With 42 Premier League games, every Champions League game and every Europa League game, as well as UFC, Allianz Leagues GAA, Golf, F1 and much more, why not sign up today?
