Manchester United have been handed a brutal schedule to open the 2025-26 Premier League season, starting with an opening-day clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford. The fixture list, revealed on Wednesday, shows that United will face Manchester City and Chelsea within their first five games, setting up a challenging start for new manager Ruben Amorim.

Amorim, who is looking to rebuild United after their worst-ever Premier League season, will face an uphill battle early on. The schedule doesn't get any easier, with a crucial match against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on October 18.

Despite the tough start, Amorim has expressed optimism that United's lack of European football this season could be a blessing in disguise. The additional rest could prove beneficial during the festive period, where United will host four home games in December. The toughest fixtures during this period include matches against Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

As the season progresses, United's run-in could be pivotal. They will face Liverpool at home on May 2, followed by games against Sunderland (away), Nottingham Forest (home), and Brighton (away). These final matches could determine United's position in the league table.

Adding to the pressure, players will have less than three weeks to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, which is scheduled to begin on June 11. This tight schedule could impact the fitness and performance of key players as the season concludes.