The Premier League fixture list has been announced and Manchester United have learned how the season will begin.
Erik ten Hag will enter next season under scrutiny despite being retained as Manchester United manager.
After all, we saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fired in November 2021 – after signing a new contract in July.
What matters are results, and Erik ten Hag must begin next season strongly. He has a real opportunity to do so.
Manchester United’s early fixtures
Manchester United will enter next season on a high after winning the FA Cup. It is important Erik ten Hag can use this as momentum, and begin the 2024/25 season strongly.
The worst case scenario would have been a tough away fixture to start the season. A trip to The Etihad, or to Anfield, or St James Park.
Instead, Manchester United begin at home to Fulham. Yes, this was a game the team lost last season, amid an injury crisis. The team should be fully fit by time the campaign kicks off.
The match will be held under the lights at Old Trafford on a Friday night. This makes a positive difference, with the support expected to be more exhuberant.
United follow this up away at Brighton – where they won late last season, and then at home to Liverpool.
Ending August at home to Liverpool is a great way for Ten Hag to secure a signature win over Dutch rival Arne Slot.
It is possible for Manchester United to win all three opening games, which will include beating a rival, and for Ten Hag to silence the doubters waiting for him to slip up.
Manchester United fixtures are evenly spread
In past seasons we have seen Manchester United fall victim to a horror run of fixtures, playing several top six rivals back to back.
In 2024/25, there are no stretches like this. Instead, matches against the top teams look to be quite evenly spread.
We do face both Arsenal and Manchester City away from home in December, but with a home match against Nottingham Forest in between.
Where October and November might get a bit tricky is with away games at Palace, Villa and West Ham, which might fall after Europa League away trips – but that will become clearer later on.
United also end the season with a home fixture against Aston Villa, after a visit to Chelsea. The end of the season run-in could be crucial and success could come down to these two late games.
Nothing for Erik ten Hag to fear
The main takeaway from the fixture list for 2024/25 is that there is nothing for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United to fear.
There is an opportunity for a fast start, with the early Friday kick-off potentially taking the team to the top of the table for a night. That will help the feelgood factor.
No games are easy at Premier League level, but Erik ten Hag will be confident he can lead his side to a better season than the one we have just seen.