adminMANCHESTER United manager David Moyes says he finds his club’s start to the season “hard to believe”.
Among their first five games, the champions play Chelsea at home and Manchester City and Liverpool away.Moyes said: “I think it’s the hardest start for 20 years that Manchester United have had.
“I hope it’s not because Manchester United won the league quite comfortably last year [that] the fixtures have been made much more difficult.”
He added: “I find it hard to believe that’s the way the balls came out of the bag, that’s for sure.”
A Premier League spokesman said Moyes put his concerns to them directly. He added: “We have absolutely assured him the process is random and above board. He has accepted those assurances.”
Moyes officially took over from Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired after 26 trophy-laden years in charge, on 1 July. The former Everton boss saw his new side win the Charity Shield with a 2-0 victory against Wigan last week. They start their Premier League campaign away at Swansea, before facing Chelsea, Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
Manchester City, who finished second last season, play two promoted clubs, Hull and Cardiff. Chelsea, meanwhile, will face two teams who finished in the bottom half last season as well as Hull, Everton and United. Four of Arsenal’s opening five opponents finished in the bottom half last season, although they do have the derby against Tottenham. Spurs also face two promoted teams as well as Swansea and Norwich.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Liverpool v Stoke, Anfield 13:45, West Ham v Cardiff, Boleyn Ground 16:00, Norwich v Everton, Carrow Road 16:00, Arsenal v Aston Villa, Emirates Stadium 16:00, Sunderland v Fulham, Stadium of Light 16:00, West Brom v Southampton, The Hawthorns 16:00
Swansea v Manchester United, Liberty Stadium 18:30
Sunday: Crystal Palace v Tottenham, Selhurst Park 14:30, Chelsea v Hull, Stamford Bridge 17:00 – BBC.
Online Reporter