United must turn fixture pile-up to their advantage – just like Ferguson did

Crunch time of season is a chance for players to show manager their true worth

season are when the hard work is done.

I was always inclined as a player, and then as a coach, to try to see these times in my career as a positive challenge. To get the win that gives the confidence to the team to go into the next game. To win the big games against the other top teams. To bear in mind that what you achieve in these few weeks will be something you have for the rest of your life, and another trophy is something that can never be taken away.

A good season for United would be a trophy and a place in the Champions League next season. They already have one trophy and they are favourites for the Europa League, which would give them the Champions League place. Then next season the priority is winning the league. It will be four seasons without the title come next month, which is longer than any other period without it since the first of the Sir Alex era in 1993. There are other clubs who have waited much longer, but United operate according to different rules.

I believe that the squad is decent enough to get that Champions League place, be it through the league or the Europa League. They are well covered in positions such as full-back and midfield and, as Jose Mourinho gets to know these individuals better and recognise those he can trust, then you will see a better team next season. He knows how to get a team through those difficult away games, and United have a run of those against Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham. Chelsea have shown the power of momentum in the league, although next year they will be back balancing the demands of midweek Champions League football, too. You can only see that as a positive if you want to be a top footballer at a big club – the fixtures can be punishing but it is up to you to find a way through and to deal with those demands. It is a key part of what makes a successful team.