The season is defined, the rebirth of United after the international break

Man Utd's return to domestic action after the international break could go one of two directions and it is up to the players to choose the right direction. In the aftermath of the Anfield disaster, United made easy work of a Real Betis side that sat fifth in LaLiga, winning 5-1 in both games of the Europa League tie.

It will feel like a lifetime has passed since Manchester United traveled to Anfield and returned with a cloud hanging over them. Most fans, then, would have been grateful for the timing of the international break, giving them a chance to lick their wounds and prepare for the final push of the season.

No one should feel more relieved at the halt to club action and the potential it has to reinvigorate the team than the club itself. The infamous 7-0 defeat to old rivals Liverpool was the kind of result that will be remembered long after the campaign is over, but it's one United players cannot afford to well on.

It has the power to completely derail a season that looked promising not too long ago, or to inspire the team to never repeat that humiliation again. Based on what happened before the international break, the direction United took from here could be the difference between a good season and a great one.

The continuation of the activity in the Europa League

Although Sporting Lisbon highlighted the potential of the proverbial banana skin in their win over Arsenal, this was a game United were always expected to win convincingly. The fact that they were able to do it should have been a testament to the character and mindset of the players.