With Ruben Amorim now in charge for his first full season, there's a sense of cautious optimism that a clearer identity and structure are finally being put in place.
Man Utd fixtures 2025:
August 17: Man Utd v Arsenal
August 24: Fulham v Man Utd
August 30: Man Utd v Burnley
September 13: Man City v Man Utd
September 20: Man Utd v Chelsea
The opening fixture is a blockbuster, with Arsenal visiting Old Trafford on August 17. It's a high-stakes start against a side that finished second last season, and United will need to show immediate cohesion to match Arsenal's intensity.
Just a week later, they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on August 24. The West London side are typically strong at home, and Amorim's men will need to be disciplined to avoid dropping early points.
On August 30, United host Burnley - a game that offers a more favourable opportunity to build rhythm and possibly rotate. Burnley's return to the top flight has been hard-earned, but United will expect three points at Old Trafford.
The tempo rises sharply after the international break, with a trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City on September 13. United were outclassed in both league derbies last season, and this will be a key early litmus test for Amorim's tactical plan.
Just a week later, Chelsea come to Old Trafford (September 20). The Blues are in transition themselves, but possess enough quality to punish lapses - and with both clubs pushing to rejoin the top four, it could carry early-season significance. These opening five matches - three of them against established top-six sides - will set the tone for United's campaign.
The transfer window has seen notable changes in personnel, with heavy investment in the attack. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko have all arrived, aiming to solve United's long-running issues in front of goal. Outgoings include Jonny Evans (retired), Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, and Marcus Rashford, who joined Barcelona on loan.
Amorim has urged patience but knows results will be expected immediately. "I've asked to be judged after a full pre-season," he said. "Now we're building the identity, the structure, and the courage this club needs."
The opening stretch will be unforgiving - but it's also an opportunity to show that United are finally moving forward.
Man Utd standings - Historic log positions
2020/21 - 2nd
2021/22 - 6th
2022/23 - 3rd
2023/24 - 8th
2024/25 - 15th
Liverpool have agreed to sell their young winger Ben Doak to Bournemouth for 25 million pounds, a move that could indirectly boost their pursuit of Newcastle's star striker Alexander Isak.
Fulham have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Manchester United's out-of-favour striker Rasmus Hojlund, offering the young Dane a chance to stay in the Premier League.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews has omitted Yoane Wissa from his squad to face Nottingham Forest in their Premier League opener on Sunday.
Arsenal have bolstered their squad with the high-profile signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon for a reported 64 million pounds in the summer transfer window of 2025.
