United face opening clash with Fulham

Premiership champions Manchester United kick off their 2001-2002 campaign with successive matches against newly-promoted clubs…

Premiership champions Manchester United kick off their 2001-2002 campaign with successive matches against newly-promoted clubs.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side entertain Fulham on the opening day of the season, August 18th. Then four days later they travel to Blackburn, who pipped them for the title in 1995.

United follow those two matches with a visit to Aston Villa on August 25th.

The other promoted side Bolton, who came up through the play-offs, go to Leicester on the opening day before facing Middlesbrough and Liverpool at home.

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Last season's runners-up Arsenal, who have strengthened their squad in the summer, begin their campaign at Middlesbrough.

After meeting Middlesbrough, Arsenal have a blockbuster of a midweek game against Leeds at Highbury on August 21st.

The Gunners are again at home on August 25th when Leicester are the visitors.

Liverpool, competing in the Champions League for the first time, start against West Ham.

After their opening day game Liverpool have a nine-day gap before they face Bolton.

The opening day of the season has thrown up a number of interesting clashes. Sunderland, who faded after a bright start last season, meet UEFA Cup contenders Ipswich at the Stadium of Light.

Leeds open their domestic campaign by facing managerless Southampton at Elland Road.

Chelsea open with a game against fellow under-achievers Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Blackburn travel to Derby while Tottenham and Charlton are at home, against Everton and Aston Villa respectively.

In Scotland Celtic open their campaign at home to home St Johnstone on July 28 while Rangers travel to Aberdeen.

PA