Host of The United Stand podcast, Mark Goldbridge, has admitted he expects Man Utd to suffer in their first five Premier League fixtures.
Manchester United, who finished 15th in the Premier League standings last season, are eyeing an encouraging start under Ruben Amorim this season.
Goldbridge, however, fears that Amorim could even be out of a job by the time Christmas rolls around.
Man Utd Premier League Fixtures Confirmed: To Face Three of the Big Six in First Five Games
The Premier League has confirmed Man Utd’s fixtures for the 2025/26 season, and it looks like the season is set to begin on a tough note.
The Red Devils will open their 2025/26 Premier League season with a clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford. Last season, they drew 1-1 at home before losing 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
On Matchday 4, they will make the trip to the Etihad Stadium for a clash with cross-town rivals Manchester City. Man Utd surprisingly beat Man City 2-1 away from home last season before drawing 1-1 at Old Trafford.
Every #PL fixture that awaits the Reds in 2025/26 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/dHEJGO3der
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 18, 2025
The following gameweek, they will host Chelsea in Manchester. In 2024/25, the two rivals played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford before the hosts won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United will face Fulham (A) and Burnley (H) on Matchdays 2 and 3.
Mark Goldbridge Fears Tough Premier League Start Could Cost Ruben Amorim His Job
Reacting to Man Utd’s Premier League fixtures for 2025/26, Mark Goldbridge said (via EPL Index):
“We will play Arsenal first game of the season. We’ve also got Manchester City and Chelsea in the first five Premier League fixtures.”
While many would argue that Manchester United would have to play them all at some point, Goldbridge reminded that it was about the momentum.
“That doesn’t actually work,” he added.
“If you had to play the five best teams [in the] first five games of the season and you lose them, momentum, confidence disappears.”
"The fans really believe in him, there has to be a significant improvement"
United We Stand editor Andy Mitten backs Ruben Amorim to turn around Man United's fortunes next season 🔴 pic.twitter.com/EOI5CNxNaG
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 18, 2025
After overseeing Manchester United’s worst-ever Premier League campaign last season, the pressure is on Ruben Amorim to deliver. Given how difficult the beginning of the campaign is, Goldbridge fears the Portuguese could be sacked by Christmas.
He continued:
“If you are an Amorim outer, I’d put your money on Amorim out before Christmas.
“We’ll do well to get six [points] from 15. Arsenal, draw; Fulham, draw; Burnley, win; Man City, lose; Chelsea, draw – six points from 15. Amorim out.”
Last season, under former manager Erik ten Hag, Man Utd racked up seven points from their first five games. Their season concluded on an even poorer note, as they picked up just five points from their last nine matches.
The Mancunians have been busy this summer, trying to bolster their squad ahead of another demanding campaign. They have signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and are fancying their chances of signing Bryan Mbeumo ahead of Tottenham Hotspur. They are also extensively monitoring Viktor Gyokeres and Palmeiras’ Richard Rios.
