Premier League fixtures: Man Utd face huge early challenges in bid to become contenders

London, August 20: Manchester United have a string of crucial early fixtures in their bid to mount a Premier League title challenge in 2020-21.

Despite a strong finish seeing them end up in third place, United were still a painful 30 points adrift of rivals and champions Liverpool last season.

If they are to bridge that gap, the early weeks of the new campaign will be pivotal after initial fixtures against Burnley (a match for which the final date is to be confirmed), Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Liverpool vs Leeds | Key Fixtures" title="Premier League Fixtures | Liverpool vs Leeds | Key Fixtures" />Premier League Fixtures | Liverpool vs Leeds | Key Fixtures

United are at home to Tottenham, managed by their former boss Jose Mourinho, in what is scheduled to be their fourth game of the season on October 3.

@LFC start title defence against @LUFC
Home starts for @WBA and @FulhamFC
Manchester clubs’ opening matches postponed

More: https://t.co/oT6mzH5Yuv pic.twitter.com/ROU36mekau

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 20, 2020

Two weeks later, United have a brutal three-match spell where they have home games against Chelsea and Arsenal followed by a trip to Everton, meaning they will have been significantly tested in the opening eight games.

Old Trafford will be the venue for the first Manchester derby on December 12, a week before they renew their rivalry with promoted Leeds United, with the return match against Pep Guardiola's City on March 6. United face Liverpool at Anfield on January 16 before they host the Reds towards the end of the season on May 1, by which point they will hope to still be in the running.

Manchester United’s fixtures in full: