United's Friday opener sparks Foxes memories
The scheduling of Manchester United's start to the new Premier League season, a Friday-night assignment against Fulham, evokes memories of our 2018/19 opener.
As will be the case under Erik ten Hag in 2024/25, the Reds kicked things off for the full programme by playing at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho's men took on Leicester City and, fresh from finishing runners-up in the previous term, the Reds handed a debut to Fred in midfield.
Meanwhile, the Foxes included Harry Maguire in their ranks, despite speculation United had been looking to sign him in the summer.
United captain Paul Pogba, on a high after winning the World Cup with France, punished a Daniel Amartey handball with a third-minute penalty to get Mourinho's side off to a flying start.
David De Gea had to be at his best on opening night, with one stop to deny Foxes debutant James Maddison being particularly impressive. The Spaniard also did well to thwart Demarai Gray after Jamie Vardy robbed Shaw on 75 minutes, to increase the tension inside the ground.
It was a pivotal moment as, eight minutes later, Juan Mata played a ball out to the left that appeared to be lost by Shaw. However, the full-back managed to beat Ricardo Pereira to it, in order to hook a left-footed shot past Kasper Schmeichel from a tight angle and put us 2-0 up.
The defender jubilantly celebrated his first goal for the Reds and it proved to be the eventual winner, as Leicester pulled one back late on.
Ricardo Pereira's cross bounced back off the woodwork and Vardy pounced to head home, to increase the nerves at the death.
United held out, though, to start the campaign with three points - let's hope we can do the same against Fulham this year, on Friday 16 August.
MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY
The initial release of United Members' tickets is now sold out, but don't worry, you can still secure your seat to the fixture of your choice with Matchday Hospitality. Prices start at £199 per person.
WHEN ARE UNITED NEXT IN ACTION?
The Reds will return to the pitch on 15 July, when we face Rosenborg in Trondheim for our first pre-season game. Following a friendly against Rangers at Murrayfield, Edinburgh on 20 July, we'll fly out to the United States for Tour 2024, comprising three clashes with Arsenal (Los Angeles, 27 July), Real Betis (San Diego, 31 July) and Liverpool (Columbia, 3 August).
You can buy tickets for all of our pre-season games here, subject to availability.