 THE FIXTURES UNTIL THE END OF YEAR 2021

by Dr. Michael Calleja

Pre-season is usually characterised by two ‘major’ events. The first is the conventional sifting through social media platforms to find out if our beloved club is linked to the next superstar. The second ‘tradition’ is the release of the fixture list ‑ with every fan normally checking out the all-important encounters (the Manchester Derby and fixtures against Liverpool - normally high on every United fan’s agenda).

For the purposes of this article, I will be giving a brief overview of the club’s fixtures till end of year 2021 (with our game on the 28th of December being the final encounter of the calendar year).

By the time this magazine is distributed, the club would have already commenced the season with a feisty encounter against Leeds United on the 14th of August. The Lilywhites certainly punched above their weight last season - surprising many a pundit as the team was expertly led by the enigmatic (if not controversial!) Marcelo Bielsa. It remains to be seen whether the club will be able to sustain a similar challenge this season (and not fall short of the ubiquitous ‘second season syndrome’). However, a club like Leeds (with a fanatical support and proud history) certainly has all the ingredients in place to cement themselves in the ‘top 10’ of English football. (venues where United have often found the going extremely tough). Wolves in particular will have to do without Nuno Espirito Santo - a manager who managed to impose his identity and style of play on the club and similar expectations will now be placed on the shoulders of Bruno Lage. Whether or not Wolves can once again be the ‘surprise package’ that perennially stun the big boys remains to be seen.

September will see the club commence its Champions League obligations but on the domestic front, the Red Devils will be facing Newcastle at Old Trafford (in a fixture that has more often than not yielded the three points). Following the Toon Army, Ole’s men next travel to East London to take on a re-galvanised West Ham United under David Moyes. This particular fixture often evokes painful memories (especially from the Upton Park days – think 1995) - but the entertainment is often unrelenting and nailbiting. The month ends with Aston Villa (less Jack Grealish!) at Old Trafford.

A brief look at our fixture list for October/ November will certainly lead to our hearts pounding that little bit faster. October in particular sees United take on Everton (H), Leicester (A), Liverpool (H) and Tottenham (A). Four huge fixtures that will certainly have

fans on the edge of their seats. The pre-season friendly vs Everton might have been a ‘walk in the park’ but the league game will be a different proposition altogether. The Toffees will be stronger and tactically astute – especially with Rafa Benitez at the helm. We will certainly be hoping for a much better performance at Leicester considering last season’s 2-2 draw and a lethargic performance in the cup that saw United crash out 1-3. Next on the list is Jurgen Klopp’s men – and the annual battle at Old Trafford. Our Merseyside rivals will surely boast a rejuvenated Van Dijk and Gomez – both of whom shall certainly be marshalling the Liverpool defense. One can only hope for a much better performance than the 2-4 loss suffered last season. The month concludes with a trip to Spurs - and another determined and dogged performance that brought us three crucial points will certainly work wonders!

November will also see United taking on three of ‘the big six’ within the space of 30 days. On the 6th of November is the Manchester Derby with the Champions coming to Old Trafford. It certainly promises to be one of the games of the season and will no doubt cement our credentials for the title...especially if we manage to beat Pep Guardiola’s men. The club next travels to newly promoted Watford - although no introduction is necessary considering ‘the Hornets’ only spent one year in the Championship. Memories of a very painful 1-3 defeat back in 2016 (under José Mourinho) still irks most fans to this day. Solskjaer will have to ensure his men are fit and prime to take on the Londoners’ challenge of both Chelsea (A) and Arsenal (H) within the space of three days. Still basking from their European glory, Chelsea away will be a huge game for the Red Devils although our recent results at the Bridge have been more than decent (considering our previously poor record). Meanwhile, our game against Arsenal will see the Reds trying to avenge last year’s damaging defeat (0-1) at home when Ole’s men suffered from an overwhelmingly lacklustre performance.

December, as always, will prove to be both busy and challenging - although at least navigable. The Reds first face Palace at home (do note that we have lost both fixtures against them at home during both 2019/20 and 2020/21!) before taking on Norwich away. The club then faces newly promoted Brentford (and judging by their pre-season exploits) at Old Trafford will certainly be a very tough nut to crack! The Reds then round up the year by welcoming Brighton before travelling to the cold North to take on Newcastle on Boxing Day! Here’s hoping for another majestic second half performance like last season. Finally, on the 28th of December, we welcome Burnley - a squad which notoriously enjoys ‘parking the bus’ and frustrating us in front of our home fans.

With new signings and an improved squaddepth, United fans should certainly look forward to a 38-game marathon that will certainly serve as a ‘make or break’ campaign for the Manager. Can the club successfully mount a title challenge or will the long, agonising wait for a trophy persist? Judging from the above, some huge wins in October/ November would surely set us up nicely for the business end of the season!