[ad_pod ]
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking to take Manchester United further than the sixth-place finish they managed to record last season. It’s an uphill battle for the Red Devils considering the state of their current squad but anything is possible in football. Following the announcement of the Premier League fixtures list, here are five key dates that will decide whether they break their way back into the top four next season.
11 August, Chelsea (H)
The opening fixture will see Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford. The Blues will most likely be one of their direct rivals in the top four battle and starting things off with an important win could be crucial for Ole and his troops.
28 September, Arsenal (H)
Similarly important will be games against the Gunners. Arsenal also managed to finish above United last season and taking them down at home, which is something they couldn’t do in their previous campaign, could very well play a big role even though it’s relatively early in the schedule.
Could United be in the hunt for an £85m blockbuster signing this summer? Check out the video below…
3 December, Tottenham Hotspur (H)
Spurs are one of those teams that constantly spelt trouble for Ole last year and turning around their fortunes against their London-based rivals has to be on Solskjaer’s list. They managed to scrape a win away last season but were heavily defeated at Old Trafford. This has to absolutely be amended if they are to improve their results and clinch a top four spot.
14 December, Everton (H)
Even though Everton on their own are already tricky, this is more intended to put emphasis on a deadly series of games starting with the aforementioned Spurs clash at home. That one is followed by Manchester City (A) and finally this Everton game. December just might play a vital role in their race to the top four and if United fail to beat the Toffees, it could well be a season of holding onto Europa League football rather than challenging to sit at Europe’s top table.
1 February, Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
Wolves gave United far too much trouble last season, taking four points off them, and they will no doubt be looking to jump over them in the standings after finishing seventh last time out. Keeping Wolves below them should be top of the list for Ole if he aims to finish in the top four.