Defeat at the hands of Newcastle at the weekend left Jose Mourinhos men second in the Premier League but just four points clear of Tottenham in fifth as the race for the top four heats up.
Now they travel to Huddersfield -- where they lost in the league earlier this season -- ahead of a testing run of fixtures that could define their season, with major questions over how best to deploy club record signing Paul Pogba and new boy Alexis Sanchez.
There have been mixed reactions to the VAR system, which has been used in a handful of League Cup and FA Cup ties.
The recent fourth-round FA Cup tie between Liverpool and West Brom proved particularly contentious as the extra official awarded Jurgen Klopps side a penalty, ruled out a goal for his opponents then confirmed another would stand.
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"When people ask us if we like it, if we dont like it, if we agree with it or dont agree with it, I think honestly its a question for the referees," said Mourinho, who said he backed the system but that it needed adjustments to preserve the flow of the game.
"They want to perform the best they can, they dont like to make mistakes. And sometimes they make mistakes because its a human mistake and you cannot go over it unless you have some technological support.
"So if the referees are happy with that technological support, then yes, lets go for the VAR. I think, from my perspective, I like the feeling."
Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera missed last weekends costly defeat but could be back in contention.
Eric Bailly is expected back in full training this weekend but will not be rushed into action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
However, Mourinho also has to balance of the demands his Cup ambitions with a tough Champions League trip to in Sevilla in midweek, as well as upcoming Premier League clashes against Chelsea and Liverpool.
Key playmaker Aaron Mooy suffered a gashed knee in that game and could well be rested as could defenders Christopher Schindler and Mathias Jorgensen.
January signing Alex Pritchard is cup-tied and striker Laurent Depoitre, who scored against United in Huddersfields victory in October, may be recalled to enable Steve Mounie to rest.
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