Erik ten Hag can now truly start planning for his third season in charge of Manchester United, with talks underway for the Dutchman to extend his contract which expires next year.
The 54-year-old will hope for better results than last season when United finished eighth in the Premier League. While people are entitled to hold Ten Hag’s second season in charge against him, I think it’s unfair to overlook the good he did in his first campaign. Nor can we forget he has delivered two trophies in two years after ending a six-year silverware drought.
Ten Hag has many things he needs to improve over the coming months. One objective should be making Old Trafford a fortress again.
The team can start achieving that by starting the season strongly. Let’s take a look at United’s first five home matches in the Premier League following the release of Premier League fixtures.
Fulham (16 August)
Ah yes. I will never say no to an opening game we should be winning, but I said the same last season before watching us draw against Wolves at Old Trafford. United need to get three points on the board from this fixture because the pressure will quickly mount on the manager if United start the new campaign slowly.
Fulham won 2-1 at Old Trafford in February, courtesy of goals from Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi. Harry Maguire pulled one back in the 89th minute.
Liverpool (TBC)
The biggest fixture of the season bar none. This is the clash everyone marks down in the calendar, and it will see two Dutch coaches in the dugout for the first time in English football’s greatest rivalry.
Liverpool have not beaten United in their last three visits to Old Trafford.
Tottenham (TBC)
Another tricky game for the Reds because it is anyone’s guess how well Tottenham will do. They will probably blow hot as goal, as per usual, but I’m mindful of the fact they started last season strongly.
Man Utd vs Spurs ended 2-2 when the two teams met at Old Trafford in January.
Brentford (TBC)
This is an example of the type of fixture United need to be winning next season. No excuses.
The Reds overcame Brentford at Old Trafford last season, with a 2-1 win over The Bees. Scott McTominay scored a stoppage-time brace against Thomas Frank’s side.
Chelsea (TBC)
Like ourselves, Chelsea will feel they can only improve on last season. I’m still annoyed about that game at Stamford Bridge when I walked away feeling we completely bottled our chances of finishing in the top four. I was right, sadly.
How many points will United pick up in their first 5 home games?
I’d be happy with 11 from a possible 15.
United’s away form needs to improve too but we’ll leave that conversation for another day.
