Although it only feels like yesterday that the disrupted 2019/20 Premier League campaign came to an end, the new fixture list for the upcoming season was released this morning.
The Reds have been given an extra week off due to their Europa League exploits, meaning that an already jam packed fixture list will be even more condensed. With the countdown well and truly on, here are some key dates to put in your calendar.
September 19th
Crystal Palace (H)
The second week of the Premier League season, but the first featuring Manchester United. The Reds have been given a fairly straightforward start on paper, but you can never discount a tricky Crystal Palace side.
October 31st
Arsenal (H)
The end of a hectic month of action which will see United begin their Champions League campaign and face three of the Premier League’s ‘big six’.
October is also currently being tipped as the month where fans will return to stadiums across the country. United will certainly be hoping so, as they will want the full benefit of home advantage against Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal.
December 12th
Manchester City (H)
We will have to wait until mid-December for the first Manchester derby of the season, but it should be well worth the wait if Old Trafford is even at 50% capacity by this point.
The last derby was the final game before lockdown and was one of the best atmospheres the stadium has seen in a long time.
Embed from Getty ImagesDecember 19th
Leeds (H)
Leeds finally ended their 16 year exile from the top tier of English football in July, but will have to wait until December to make their first visit to Old Trafford since their Fa Cup third round win in 2010. It will be fantastic to reignite an old rivalry.
December 26th
Leicester City (A)
The Boxing Day fixture is always one to look out for, and this year is no different. United haven’t been beaten on boxing day for 42 years but a trop to Leicester will prove to be a tough test.
January 12th
Liverpool (A)
It won’t be until 2021 that United face their fiercest rivals and worryingly, Liverpool will be looking at this fixture as a key date in their aim to retain the title. Less of the negativity, we could be well on our way to number 21 by then!
March 6th
Man City (A)
March usually marks the beginning of squeaky bum time with both the Premier League and Champions League campaigns entering pivotal points. United kick off March with a trip to the Etihad, a place where they enjoyed two wins last season.
April 24th
Leeds (A)
If stadiums are back at full capacity at this point, then expect this to be the noisiest game of the season. Leeds arguably hate United more than any other club and their fans are sure to let you know about it.
May 1st
Liverpool (H)
What a game this could be if both clubs have something important to play for at this point. Liverpool at home is usually the number date that most United fans pencil into their calendars.
May 23rd
Wolves (A)
The final day of the Premier League season and as far as final day fixtures go, the random generator certainly could have been kinder. No one goes to Molineux and has an easy game, particularly if there are still things to play for.
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