Five massive early-season games that could shape Manchester United's Premier League hopes

Manchester United have four Premier League matches before the season's first international break rolls around in September and that opening stretch could have a huge impact on their top-four hopes.

Okay, so with only 12 points up for grabs before players jet across Europe and beyond for autumn fixtures, there's not much need to panic if things do not go to plan in those early weeks. However, with top-four contenders ready to lock horns in the first knockings, there will be some important markers laid down.

As far as United are concerned, early-season trips to North London - against Tottenham and Arsenal on August 19 and September 3 respectively - represent a tough double assignment for Erik ten Hag and his ever-evolving squad. But they are not the only showdowns between Premier League title and Champions League contenders.

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Here, we take a closer look at five potentially significant games before the mid-September break;

When: Sunday, August 13 at 4.30pm

Where: Stamford Bridge

TV details: Screened live on Sky Sports

Chelsea and Liverpool were both sub-par last term and each have plenty to prove under Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp respectively. While the Blues have massively revamped their squad, Klopp and figures responsible for recruitment at Anfield have focused, primarily, on central midfield additions. Having both failed to secure a top-four spot last season, these two sides will have everything crossed for a fast start this time around.

When: Saturday, August 19 at 5.30pm

Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

TV details: Screened live on Sky Sports

In the first of two quickfire visits to North London this season, Ten Hag will go head-to-head in the dugout with a new