Manchester United discovered their fate in the Premier League fixture announcement this morning and Jose Mourinho would have released a big sigh of relief, as the start to the Red Devils campaign is extremely favourable.

The Red Devils begin their season by hosting West Ham at Old Trafford, before clashing with Swansea, Leicester and Stoke in their first month. Overall, the first big test for United comes in mid-October against Liverpool- although Mourinho’s side do host Everton a month beforehand.

October could end up being the biggest test for Manchester United in the first-half of the campaign, where the Red Devils will look to fight their way to the top of the Premier League table, as clashes with Tottenham and Chelsea quickly follow the tie with Liverpool- although United face Huddersfield before clashing with their fellow Champions League sides.

The busy festive period will also challenge Manchester United but Mourinho’s men have been fortunate once again, as their four games in eight days come against Leicester, Burnley, Southampton and Everton- all games that United would expect to win.

Similarly, Manchester United’s run-in at the end of the season looks favourable to the Red Devils although the first of their final six fixtures could provide a huge impact in the title race, as Mourinho’s side travel across Manchester to tackle title-favourites Manchester City.

From there the Red Devils face West Brom (H), Bournemouth (A), Arsenal (H), Brighton (A) and finish their campaign at Old Trafford against Watford- who could be battling to avoid the drop to the Championship come May.

The World Cup in Russia next year means that sides like Manchester United, who are involved in continental football, will have the depth of their squad tested thoroughly as the season finishes earlier than usual- so United will have to pick up the pace.

Jose Mourinho has a strong record in his second seasons with clubs he’s managed during his career though and Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League title have risen significantly with the fixture scheduling, especially as theirs is the most favourable out of the top-six clubs.

United will of course have to improve on their performances from last season, following a sixth-placed finish and far too many draws, but it’s likely the additions made this summer will boost their ranks significantly and aid their chances of success.