Premier League fixtures released: Manchester United's title hopes boosted

Louis van Gaal is of a mind that United are not far off from being able to mount a challenge for England's national title under his guidance despite finishing fourth in his first season at the club, a full 17 points behind winners Chelsea.

LVG has certainly been offered encouragement by a kind looking schedule.

If United can live up to LVG's expectations, they would face a simple looking run-in in their final five matches against Aston Villa (home) on April 16, West Ham United (away) on April 23 before another two home matches against Leicester City on April 30 and newly promoted Bournemonth on the final day of the season on May 15.

They are down to visit Norwich City on the penultimate weekend of the season on May 7.

Other key highlights for United fans are the opening day fixture against Spurs on August 8 and the visit of Liverpool on September 12 before they head for Anfield on January 16.

They first come across Manchester City on October 24 while their away trip to the noisy neighbours comes on March 19, a point when United will know if they have a realistic chance of carrying off the title. And perhaps if Van Gaal will stay in his role as manager of the club.

United host champions Chelsea at Old Trafford on December 28 and visit Stamford Bridge on February 6.

They will look to make a more vibrant start to the season than a year ago when they collected only five points from their opening five fixturres.

Upon initial inspection, there is very little for United or their Dutch coach Van Gaal to berate with 52 days to go until Tottenham arrive.

The schedule has been good to them.

Sat Aug 8 Tottenham Hotspur H

Sat Aug 15 Aston Villa A

Sat Aug 22 Newcastle United H

Sat Aug 29 Swansea City A

Sat Sep 12 Liverpool H

Sat Sep 19 Southampton A

Sat Sep 26 Sunderland H

Sat Oct 3 Arsenal A

Sat Oct 17 Everton A

Sat Oct 24 Manchester City H

Sat Oct 31 Crystal Palace A

Sat Nov 7 West Bromwich Albion H

Sat Nov 21 Watford A

Sat Nov 28 Leicester City A

Sat Dec 5 West Ham United H

Sat Dec 12 A.F.C. Bournemouth A

Sat Dec 19 Norwich City H

Sat Dec 26 Stoke City A

Mon Dec 28 Chelsea H

Sat Jan 2 Swansea City H

Wed Jan 13 Newcastle United A

Sat Jan 16 Liverpool A

Sat Jan 23 Southampton H

Tue Feb 2 Stoke City H

Sat Feb 6 Chelsea A

Sat Feb 13 Sunderland A

Sat Feb 27 Arsenal H

Tue Mar 1 Watford H

Sat Mar 5 West Bromwich Albion A

Sat Mar 12 Crystal Palace H

Sat Mar 19 Manchester City A

Sat Apr 2 Everton H

Sat Apr 9 Tottenham Hotspur A

Sat Apr 16 Aston Villa H

Sat Apr 23 West Ham United A

Sat Apr 30 Leicester City H

Sat May 7 Norwich City A

Sun May 15 Bournemouth H