As we gear up for another thrilling Premier League season, it’s hard not to admire Manchester United's remarkable record on opening days. The Red Devils have set a high standard with a whopping 22 wins out of 33 games, a testament to their dominance in the Premier League era. This incredible stat is even more impressive when you consider the magical atmosphere of Old Trafford, a fortress where dreams are made and opponents often find themselves overwhelmed.
The 2025-26 season marks the ninth consecutive year that United will start their campaign at the Theatre of Dreams. This trend of beginning the season on home turf has become a lucky charm of sorts. Since the Premier League began, United have kicked off at home 23 times, sharing this record only with Arsenal, their first opponents of the upcoming season. It's a battle of the opening day titans, and what better way for United to assert their dominance than a face-off against the Gunners at Old Trafford?
When we look at the home advantage in opening fixtures amongst the Premier League elite, Manchester United and Arsenal lead the pack with 23 home starts each. They are closely followed by Chelsea and Everton, each with 22, and Newcastle with 18. This statistic not only highlights United's stronghold in having the favour of starting at home but also underscores their consistent performance over the years.
With such a stellar record on opening days and the added boost of starting at Old Trafford, expectations are sky-high for the Reds. As a die-hard Manchester United fan, I can't help but feel that this could be another legendary campaign, reminiscent of the glory days under Sir Alex when United were the undisputed kings of English football. The first match against Arsenal? Well, it's more than just a game; it's a statement of intent.
As we look forward to the start of the season, it’s crucial not to underestimate the psychological boost that a strong start can provide. This could very well be the catalyst Manchester United need to march all the way to the top of the league and perhaps lay hands on the FA Cup too.
And now, for a bit of fun at the expense of our lovely neighbours:
Why did the Manchester City fan plant light bulbs in his garden?
So he could watch his team’s title hopes lighten up and then flicker away!
