How United have fared in previous calendar year openers

Still competing on three fronts, in the way of the UEFA Europa League, FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, a positive start to 2023 is something United's players will be keen to achieve when we next take to the pitch.

Our clash with Bournemouth is at Old Trafford, and is the Reds' first match of the New Year.

Bidding to achieve victory as always, it is worth noting that United do hold a somewhat strong record in terms of our opening calendar year fixtures since the Premier League's inaugural season back in 1992/93.

Our last victory at the start of a calendar year came in 2021, as goals from Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes ensured a 2-1 triumph over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

With that season affected heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic, no supporters were present inside the Theatre of Dreams. This win proved to be a catalyst for the Reds, as then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer guided his side to finish 2nd in the Premier League.

Another standout win in the last decade is our 4-0 success over Wigan Athletic back at the start of 2013, during our famous 2012/13 Premier League season - the last time the Reds claimed the prize of England's top-flight.

A brace a-piece from former forwards Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez guaranteed three points at the DW Stadium, with Sir Alex Ferguson retiring as United manager in the best possible way just four months later with his historic 13th Premier League title.

Our overall record is impressive on the whole, with United coming out on top in 17 of our 29 past calendar year opening games.

One of the most peculiar games fans may remember is the FIFA World Cup contest from back in 2000, following our UEFA Champions League victory in May 1999.

United drew 1-1 with Mexican side Rayos Del Nexaca on January 6 2000, with Brazilian side Corinthians crowned the eventual champions.

A 1-0 defeat to Wolves is our most recent memory, with Joao Moutinho's strike ensuring all three points in January of 2022. As always, Old Trafford will be buzzing when Bournemouth travel up to Manchester for our opening match of 2023, and Ten Hag's will no doubt be striving to start the year with a win.

UNITED'S OPENING CALENDAR YEAR FIXTURE RESULTS

1993 - United 2 Bury 0
1994 - United 0 Leeds 0
1995 - United 2 Coventry 0
1996 - Spurs 4 United 1
1997 - United 0 Villa 0
1998 - Chelsea 3 United 5
1999 - United 3 Middlesbrough 1
2000 - Rayos Del Nexaca 1 United 1
2001 - United 0 West Ham 1
2002 - United 3 Newcastle 1
2003 - United 2 Sunderland 1
2004 - Aston Villa 1 United 2
2005 - Middlesbrough 0 United 2