The roar of the Old Trafford crowd, the tactical chess matches between legendary managers, and the sheer drama of a 38-game season—it’s all about to begin again. For Manchester United fans, the release of the Premier League fixture list is like the first chapter of a new book, full of hope, anticipation, and a little bit of anxiety. This season’s narrative is packed with explosive derbies, grueling runs, and potential title-deciding clashes that will define the club’s pursuit of glory. Our expert team at Mcw dives deep into the schedule to bring you a comprehensive tactical and strategic breakdown of the challenges that lie ahead for the Red Devils.
The Grand Opening: A Fierce Rivalry Reignited
The 2021/22 campaign kicks off with a fixture that needs no introduction. Manchester United will welcome their historic rivals, Leeds United, to the Theatre of Dreams. This is more than just a game; it’s a statement of intent. Under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds play a relentless, high-octane style of football that will test United’s defensive resolve from the very first whistle. A strong start here is crucial for building momentum and setting a positive tone. The immediate follow-up away trips to Southampton and Wolves will further test the squad’s depth and character early on, making the opening month a critical period for gathering points.
The Crucible: A Season-Defining Autumn
If the season has a potential make-or-break period, it undoubtedly arrives in the heart of autumn. The fixture list presents a brutal gauntlet of top-six opponents that will truly measure United’s championship credentials.
The run begins on October 16th with a trip to the King Power Stadium to face a always-dangerous Leicester City. Just one week later, the season’s first North West derby unfolds at Old Trafford as the mighty Liverpool come to town. The tactical battle between Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Jürgen Klopp is always a fascinating subplot, and this match could have significant implications in the early title race.
The intensity doesn’t drop, as United then travel to North London to face Tottenham. This grueling stretch culminates in a monumental November. The first Manchester derby against the reigning champions, City, on November 6th is followed by a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge to face Champions League winners Chelsea. The month concludes with a classic Premier League showdown against Arsenal at Old Trafford. As Mcw analyst Mark Thompson notes, “This eight-week period is arguably the toughest run any team will face all season. How United navigates these fixtures—both in terms of results and squad fitness—will tell us everything we need to know about their title hopes.”
The Manchester derby is one of the most heated fixtures on the calendar, with huge implications for the title race.
The Festive Frenzy and the Final Push
The Premier League’s festive period is a unique test of endurance. United face matches against Newcastle, Burnley, and Wolves (on New Year’s Day) in quick succession. Rotation and squad management will be paramount, as the relentless schedule can make or break a team’s campaign.
As the season enters its final third, another critical sequence emerges in March and April. The fixtures see United face almost all their top-six rivals again in quick succession, including a trip to the Etihad and Anfield. The penultimate game of the season sees Chelsea visit Old Trafford, a match that could very well decide European qualification or even the title itself. The campaign concludes with a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on May 22nd.
Mcw Key Fixture Dates
- August 14: Leeds United (H)
- October 23: Liverpool (H)
- November 6: Manchester City (H)
- November 27: Chelsea (A)
- March 5: Manchester City (A)
- March 19: Liverpool (A)
- May 15: Chelsea (H)
Manchester United’s 2021/22 Premier League fixtures
August
14: Leeds United (h) – 12.30pm
22: Southampton (a) – 2pm
29: Wolves (a) – 4.30pm
September
11: Newcastle (h) – 3pm
18: West Ham (a) – 3pm
25: Aston Villa (h) – 3pm
October
2: Everton (h) – 3pm
16: Leicester (a) – 3pm
23: Liverpool (h) – 3pm
30: Tottenham (a) – 3pm
November
6: Man City (h) – 3pm
20: Watford (a) – 3pm
27: Chelsea (a) – 3pm
30: Arsenal (h) – 8pm
December
4: Crystal Palace (h) – 3pm
11: Norwich (a) – 3pm
14: Brentford (a) – 7.45pm
18: Brighton (h) – 3pm
26: Newcastle (a) – 3pm
28: Burnley (h) – 3pm
January
1: Wolves (h) – 3pm
15: Aston Villa (a) – 3pm
22: West Ham (h) – 3pm
February
8: Burnley (a) – 7.45pm
12: Southampton (h) – 3pm
19: Leeds (a) – 3pm
26: Watford (h) – 3pm
March
5: Man City (a) – 3pm
12: Tottenham (h) – 3pm
19: Liverpool (a) – 3pm
April
2: Leicester (h) – 3pm
9: Everton (a) – 3pm
16: Norwich (h) – 3pm
23: Arsenal (a) – 3pm
30: Brentford (h) – 3pm
May
7: Brighton (a) – 3pm
15: Chelsea (h) – 3pm
22: Crystal Palace (a) – 4pm
Manchester United’s Premier League Journey: A Mcw Fixture Analysis
The path to Premier League glory is never easy, and for Manchester United, the 2021/22 season presents a thrillingly brutal challenge. From the explosive opening against Leeds to the title-race six-pointers against City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, every match is a chapter in what promises to be an unforgettable story. The key will be navigating the two nightmarish runs in October/November and March/April with a strong squad, tactical flexibility, and the unwavering support of the fans.
What do you think is the most important fixture on United’s calendar? Where will the title be won and lost? Share your predictions and join the conversation in the comments below, and be sure to follow Mcw for all your in-depth tactical analysis and breaking sports news throughout the season.
