EPL: 2026 SEASON - Manchester United request for opening away match granted

According to The Sun, Manchester United's request for a special fixture schedule has been approved by the Premier League.

Due to extensive work being done on the Old Trafford pitch, Manchester United requested that their first Premier League match of next season not be played at home. Manchester United will play away against newly promoted Hull City on August 22, marking their first away league opener since August 2016. Old Trafford's ground staff have completely relaid the pitch for the first time since 2012 and will install new safety measures. Videos filmed by fans on stadium tours this week showed the scale of the renovation work. Manchester United now has 10 weeks to complete the stadium work before their home opener against Ipswich. Old Trafford's pitch is approximately three feet higher than the surrounding area, creating a significant injury risk when players fall near the touchline. On May 3, Ljubljana's Benjamin Sesko aggravated a shin injury after being pushed towards the touchline by Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. Sesko struck the advertising hoardings in front of the East Stand, where the drop is cushioned by multiple layers of artificial turf. In front of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, the pitch and rubber track along the touchline are separated by a masonry wall. Manchester United confirmed last October that the club would consider redesigning the area around the pitch.