Manchester United's first six Premier League fixtures compared to their top-four rivals including Arsenal

Manchester United are getting ready to conclude their pre-season schedule with a double-header against Lens and Athletic Bilbao, and they will not have to wait too long for the main Premier League business to get underway.

After jetting to the United States for an action-packed summer tour, Erik ten Hag and his squad are back in the UK as they fine-tune their preparations for the curtain raiser against Wolves on Monday, August 14 (8pm). But will they fare better than their third-placed finish from last season?

Edging out Manchester City for the 2023/2024 title will be a tough ask for any of the chasing pack. However, there are clubs who harbour that exact ambition with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, United and Saudi-backed Newcastle all expected to compete for the top-four positions.

ALSO READ: United provide Amad injury update

And there will be countless others hoping to establish themselves as a surprise package. Here, we take a closer look at United's opening six fixtures compared to their five main rivals;

Manchester United

Monday, August 14 vs Wolves (H) at 8pm

Saturday, August 19 vs Tottenham (A) at 5.30pm

Saturday, August 26 vs Nott'm Forest (H) at 3pm

Sunday, September 3 vs Arsenal (A) at 4.30pm

Saturday, September 16 vs Brighton (H) at 3pm

Saturday, September 23 vs Burnley (A) at 8pm

Arsenal

Saturday, August 12 vs Nott'm Forest (H) at 12.30pm

Monday, August 21 vs Crystal Palace (A) at 8pm

Saturday, August 26 vs Fulham (H) at 3pm

Sunday, September 3 vs Manchester United (H) at 4.30pm

Saturday, September 16 vs Everton (A) at 5.30pm

Sunday, September 24 vs Tottenham (H) at 2pm

Chelsea

Sunday, August 13 vs Liverpool (H) at 4.30pm

Sunday, August 20 vs West Ham United (A) at 4.30pm

Friday, August 25 vs Luton