Ex-Reds: Title Bid Begins Vs Spurs

Manchester United’s bid to win the Barclays Premier League title must start with an opening day victory over Tottenham Hotspur, according to MUTV pundits Quinton Fortune and Sammy McIlroy.

The Reds finished fourth in Louis van Gaal’s first season as manager at Old Trafford and many supporters are confident of challenging for the championship during the Dutchman’s second term, particularly if he can complement the recent acquisition of Memphis Depay with further signings.

However, in order to do so, United must hit the ground running and avoid a run of form that contributed to earning just 13 points from the first 10 games of the 2014/15 campaign. Although Spurs will not be easy opponents when the curtain is raised on 8 August, our pundits believe victory is essential.

“We had mixed results at the start of last season but that won't happen again, I can guarantee you that,” insists Fortune, a three-time title winner. “The manager has experience of the Premier League, the players understand how he wants to play and everybody realises this is a very important season.

“We want to win something, the focus has to be the Premier League and that starts from the first game of the season against Tottenham. I expect us to put on a good show and get the three points.”

McIlroy, who made 419 United appearances between 1971 and 1982, also has raised expectations for the season ahead and is confident van Gaal can bring silverware back to Old Trafford. “Without a doubt, it is important we have a far better start this season,” Sammy told ManUtd.com.

“The first game of the season, no matter who you play, is always going to be difficult because it is the opening game and everybody wants to have a good start. But because it is against Spurs, a top six club in the Premier League and a rival, it is particularly important that we win the game.

“We didn't get up and running last year. But the manager has a season behind him in the Premier League, hopefully he’ll get a few new players in and I don't think there are any excuses anymore. It is now for us to have a great start, win our games and be up there challenging for the title all season.”

Since the 2015/16 fixture list was released on Wednesday, many fans and pundits have assessed all 38 fixtures and considered which parts of the season will be most influential. McIlroy believes it could be October when United will face Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

"I think October is a major test but we'll have a few games under our belt by then and hopefully we'll be doing well," Sammy explains. "But those are the games you want to play in. You want to play against the likes of City, Arsenal and Everton, who all want to be up there as well. The manager will know it is important we get something out of those games as well."

Fortune's eyes are drawn to the run-in and United's final five matches against Aston Villa, West Ham, Leicester, Norwich and Bournemouth, fixtures that look favourable if the Reds are in contention for the Premier League title.

"On paper it is a different story but hopefully those teams won't be fighting relegation and they will all be safe. Every game in the Premier League is difficult, but by then I hope we are in good shape and on the 15 May we can be lifting the Premier League trophy at Old Trafford."