David Moyes prepared for hectic few weeks with Manchester United

Manchester United manager David Moyes celebrates victory over Arsenal (GETTY IMAGES)

David Moyes has admitted the next few weeks could shape Manchester United's season.

Over the next six weeks, United face 13 matches in four competitions.

At the end of them, they would have hoped to make progress in the Champions League and both domestic cup competitions, in addition to taking a healthy points haul from nine Premier League games that will push them right amongst the title contenders.

Yet Moyes is also aware if results go against his team, he will be under massive scrutiny.

"What we have now is a really intense period of football," said the Scot.

"There are an awful lot of games coming up in the next few weeks.

"That is what is expected at Manchester United. That is what we do. I look forward to it.

"There are a lot of big games coming up that can shape our season, in both the Champions League and other competitions."

Moyes is approaching the task in a relaxed manner, even though injuries are causing him a selection headache, especially in midfield, where both Michael Carrick and Phil Jones are missing for Sunday's trip to Cardiff and new-boy Marouane Fellaini must have surgery on his wrist at some point that will keep him out for 10 weeks.

Not that the United boss is getting any early excuses in.

"We have a few injuries but that is why we have a big squad," he said.

"We have had a lot of players away on international duty as well.

"But it is just part of the job. You just get on with it."

United's last visit to the Welsh capital saw them lift the League Cup by hammering Wigan in 2006.

They have not met Cardiff in league combat since they spent a season in the Second Division under Tommy Docherty almost four decades ago, with Gerry Daly scoring the only goal when the two sides met at Ninian Park.

Moyes' side start favourites this time around too and,after piecing together a nine-match unbeaten run following that shock home defeat by West Brom at the end of September, the United boss has at least been able to enjoy the most recent international break.

He is reluctant to subscribe to the theory it is time for United to get themselves moving as it insinuates they have not been trying to do that already.

"My intention was to build and get going from day one so I can't say now is the time to do it," said Moyes.

"I think the point is that there is not a lot of interference from the international games now, the players are all together and we have a chance to work with them.

"We have got ourselves in a good position in the league just now.

"We want to keep that good form up and continue trying to catch the teams right at the top."

PA