What's New In 2015/16 For Manchester United?

The excitement is building ahead of the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season with Manchester United kicking things off against Tottenham on Saturday lunch-time. But what will be new this campaign? We have the answers...

THE NEW KIT

Of course, United are back wearing an adidas kit for the first time since 1992 and Wayne Rooney will lead out the team in the new strip at the weekend. The classic stripes on the shoulder will be instantly recognisable from the opening glimpse of the stars when they emerge from the tunnel ahead of the game.

NEW SIGNINGS

The Old Trafford faithful have yet to have their first sighting of any of the five summer recruits but Matteo Darmian, Memphis Depay, Sergio Romero, Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger could all be in the squad for the visit of Spurs. In Schweinsteiger's last appearance at the stadium, for Bayern Munich in the Champions League, he scored and received a red card.

DIFFERENT SHIRT NUMBERS

The 1980s-style font you might have seen on the back of United's new jerseys will only be used in European matches because, for domestic games, the style of the names and numbers must have the Premier League's standard look. There will be some new numbers within the Reds' squad - as is confirmed here - with Memphis Depay in seven and Luke Shaw's switch to 23 among the changes.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Contrary to some misconceptions, United's second fixture (away to Aston Villa) is not taking place on Friday night to accommodate live television coverage - the 10 regular Friday slots will not commence until the start of next season's TV deal. Yes, the Reds' trip to Villa Park will be shown live on Sky Sports but the game was brought forward when West Midlands Police requested that Saturday was avoided because of a protest march planned for the area.

DIFFERENT OPPONENTS

Bournemouth were promoted as Football League champions and are in the top flight for the first time in their history. United have never played the Cherries at league level, although the teams have met in the FA Cup, with their Dean Court venue, now named the Vitality Stadium, being the setting for a famous giant-killing act by Harry Redknapp's side when Ron Atkinson's Reds were the trophy holders in 1983/84.

TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY

The final date for making signings has been moved to Tuesday 1 September because the last day of August falls on a Bank Holiday. For fans (and journalists!) used to burning the midnight oil to track the dramatic late deals, there is some relief as the deadline is now 17:00 BST because Champions League squads must be submitted to UEFA by 23:00 BST that evening.

AWAY MATCH TICKETS

The club has removed booking fees for United fans using a credit or debit card to successfully purchase away tickets and will also supplement £5 towards every seat as part of the Premier League Away Supporters Initiative.

RULE CHANGES

There have been some alterations to the rulebook including a tweak to the offside rule. A player is now offside if he attempts to play a ball which is close to him when this action impacts on an opponent or makes an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball. Basically, the attacker no longer needs to touch the ball to be deemed offside.

Furthermore, players can be retrospectively banned for three games if found to have feigned injury to get an opponent sent off for violent conduct. If two or more players approach the match officials in a confrontational manner, their club can be punished and a new written code of conduct has been supplied for all staff in the technical area.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Old Trafford already has the adidas branding on the seats, giving a new look to the fantastic arena. There will be a newly-designed ball used, primarily coloured red and white. MUTV, the official club channel, will be on air earlier for matchdays - with a 10:00 BST start for the opener against Spurs.

Credit: Manutd.com