Today was the day that fans of numerous Premier League teams found out their fixtures for next season.
One man who would have been eagerly awaiting the seasons list of fixtures would be new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager has taken over what has been a poisoned chalice since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Both David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal have failed to deliver the Premier League title to Old Trafford in their spells at the club.
Despite the club winning the FA Cup in last months Wembley showpiece, the club’s failure to reach the top four and a coveted Champions League spot led to Louis Van Gaal being relieved of his duties just days later.
Now, it is down to the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ who knows the fans want instant success.
Having managed at some of the biggest clubs in the world he will be confident he can land the league title in his first season at the helm.
So, our landlord in The Tavern has been looking at Manchester United’s fixture list for the campaign and has picked out five that he feels will define Mourinho’s first season at old Trafford.
[ffc-gallery]
PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE 5 GAMES THAT WILL DEFINE MOU’S MAN UNITED REIGN
[/ffc-gallery]
Bournemouth (A)
Manchester United have been handed the tricky task of a trip to the South Coast for the club’s first fixture of the season.
It will be important for the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach to lay the foundations for the season by getting that first win under his belt as early as possible.
We will all get to see what tactics are implemented by the Portuguese manager and how well the United players adapt to his philosophies as the campaign develops.
Manchester City (H)
The first big clash of the season for United comes against their closest rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford in September.
While the flames of Manchester derby need little fanning, the arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad will add an extra layer of spice.
Its important that the club get a positive result from this game and it will show us how close United are to their rivals for the Premier League crown.
It will also put two managers who dislike each other head to head once more and we have to be hopeful that there is plenty to talk about on the pitch rather than off it.
Chelsea (A)
In what is bound to be an emotional return to Stanford Bridge for the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ it will be important that his heart doesn’t over rule his head.
The first away game against a title contender comes in October and is another to see how the club has improved following the opening couple of months.
No doubt the Blues’ players will be geared up for the meeting and Mourinho’s side will have to be at their absolute best to get a positive result from the fixture, with Antonio Conte proving his tactical majesty during Italy’s win over Belgium.
Stoke City (A)
Its never nice to go to Stoke, but having to make the trip to the Brittania Stadium on a cold, wet and windy January day is a true test of your title credentials.
A cliche perhaps, due to the transition of the Potters in recent seasons, but a sentiment that invariably rings true nonetheless.
How Mourinho’s side cope with the physical approach from Mark Hughes side will be another major factor in how the club fare next season.
With Manchester United struggling at places like this in recent seasons will we see an improvement or the same old hard slog it remains to be seen.
Tottenham Hotspur (A)
This could be a title decider when Manchester United make their final away trip of the season to White Hart Lane in May.
Both sides could well be in the hunt for the title and it will no doubt be a blood and thunder affair should the club’s perform as they are expected to.
It will come down to mentality and survival of the fitest and it’s a fixture that could be the difference between success and failure for either side.
