Why Manchester United and Fulham are playing on Friday night? Red Devils break Premier League record in first game

Manchester United will kick off the new Premier League season on a Friday night for the first time in six years against Fulham.

The Red Devils They are 13-time winners of England's rebranded top flight, but have rarely featured in the opening game of the opening weekend.

Since 2018, Arsenal have played their first Premier League game in three consecutive years dating back to the COVID-delayed 2020 season.

That streak came to an end in August 2023, when the champions Manchester City began his final title defense against Burnley.

Now their neighbours United have taken control for their first opening game on Friday since a 2-1 win over Leicester City at Old Trafford six years ago.

That match continued a recurring theme of Erik the HagThe side of 's plays its Home openeras Is that the case against Fulham this week?.

Why is Manchester United vs Fulham on Friday?

United's opening game of the 2024/25 season has been moved to Friday 16 August after being selected for live television coverage.

Premier League lead broadcast partner Sky Sports introduced regular Friday night football in August 2016.

Previously, top-flight live action on the last day of the traditional working week was only made to accommodate unique circumstances.

Such was the case with Manchester United's 1-0 win at Aston Villa in August 2015 due to an EDL march in the area the following day.

However, from August 2016, Sky's focus shifted to attracting larger viewers with a more consistent Friday night schedule.

Ironically, United were again the first of 10 Friday night games that season after coverage of a 2-0 win over Southampton That month.

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Ten Hag's men have now been chosen in the first of five Sky Football spots over the opening weekend of the Premier League.

It is the eighth consecutive season they have been awarded a home game to start the campaign, the most in Premier League history.

United had a nightmare top-flight campaign last season as they finished eighth in the table, their worst ever result.

An FA Cup win transformed his fortunes, but despite signing a new contract, his team were… defeated in the Community Shield.

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Premier League opening day fixtures

Friday, August 16th

Saturday, August 17th

• Ipswich Town vs Liverpool (12.30pm) – talkSPORT exclusive
• Arsenal vs Wolves (3:00 p.m.)
• Everton vs Brighton (3:00 p.m.)
• Newcastle United vs Southampton (3pm): exclusive to talkSPORT 2
• Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth (3:00 p.m.)
• West Ham vs Aston Villa (5:30 p.m.)

Sunday, August 18th

• Brentford v Crystal Palace (2:00 p.m.)
• Chelsea vs Manchester City (4:30 p.m.)

Monday, August 19

• Leicester vs Tottenham (8:00 p.m.): exclusive to talkSPORT