Three important takeaways from United’s fixture schedule

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Manchester United’s fixture list for the 2020/21 season have been released.

A cynic may point out ‘we’re playing every team twice – again’ but in this most frantic of campaigns, the scheduling of fixtures could have more of a bearing than ever.

We’ve got three takeaways from fixture release day…

Great time to play Tottenham

United host Spurs in their third game of the season, on October 3.

It could be a fantastic time to play Jose Mourinho’s men, because the match should come off the back of a hectic midweek schedule for them.

If they are still in the EFL Cup at the fourth round stage, they are due to play that match on September 29.

They will also hope to have a Europa League qualifier just two days later on October 1, raising the prospect of two matches during the midweek period before facing United.

We could well be facing a rotated Tottenham side in our first meeting of the season with a traditional top six rival.

Tricky games after Champions League ties

United will of course be back in the Champions League next season.

Who will our opponents be on the weekends directly following the six group stage matchdays?

Chelsea (H), Arsenal (H), Everton (A), Southampton (A), West Ham (A), Manchester City (H).

Three clashes with historic and modern-era rivals, which could shape United’s season, and three away trips which brought us just two points in 2019/20.

That’s not easy, and it will test Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ability to keep the squad fresh and fighting on multiple fronts.

Pivotal period

A ten-day period around the end of February and start of March could shape United’s bid for success on three fronts.

On February 27, United are due to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

However, the EFL Cup final is scheduled for that day, and if either ourselves or the Blues are taking part, the trip to west London will be moved to March 2.

On March 6, United face another massive trip, to face Manchester City, with the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 set to take place on March 9.

That testing run of games could prove crucial.

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