Manchester United will commence the 2024/25 Premier League season with a home match against Fulham on Friday, while Manchester City will initiate their title defense at the lavishly spending Chelsea on Sunday.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot will face his first competitive test on Saturday as he leads his team to newly-promoted Ipswich for his inaugural competitive match following his appointment to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
AFP Sports examines the expectations for the opening weekend of the new season:
TEN HAG REQUIRES A STRONG START
Manchester United’s unexpected victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City last May significantly contributed to Erik ten Hag retaining his position at Old Trafford. The Dutch manager has received support from United’s newly established football operations leadership, headed by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, and has been granted a contract extension until 2026.
To enhance Ten Hag’s squad, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs De Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui have been acquired for approximately £150 million ($192 million). However, after finishing eighth last season—United’s poorest performance in Premier League history—Ten Hag must achieve a strong start to the new season to alleviate concerns regarding his capability to advance the club. Fulham achieved a victory at Old Trafford for the first time in two decades in February. A similar outcome on Friday would leave United supporters anxious about another disappointing season.
