Manchester United handed Premier League's most daunting opening fixtures

Manchester United are staring at a brutal start to the 2025–26 Premier League season.

Opta’s data ranks their first five matches as the toughest of any club. The average strength of their opponent, based on the Opta Power Rating, is 94.6, the highest in the division.

United, who are looking for its first Premier League title since 2013, hosts Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 15. That’s followed by a tricky away trip to Fulham, then a must-win home match against newly promoted Burnley. If that wasn’t enough, the Manchester Derby comes as early as Matchday 4 at the Etihad.

They wrap up the brutal stretch at home against Chelsea.

That’s three of last season’s top four, all in five games. And four of those fixtures are in Manchester, but comfort is nowhere in sight, especially after last year’s campaign.

United finished a disastrous 15th last season, their worst since 1973-74. They collected just 42 points and saw Erik ten Hag sacking in October.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Amorim, who took over after a short stint by Ruud van Nistelrooy, now faces immediate pressure after losing Europa League final to Tottenham and missing out on European football for the first time in a decade.

Manchester United news and related links 

• Former Liverpool striker reveals truth behind Garnacho's potential Man Utd exit

• Man Utd’s potential summer exit makes U-turn as ‘new deal’ agreed

• Man Utd uses old trick to sign Bryan Mbeumo with help from potential departing star