United may play up to 77 games

Manchester United could end up playing an incredible 77 games next season. That is the staggering number of matches they face if they go all the way in the knockout competitions and play the maximum four replays in the FA Cup.

Even if United fall at the first hurdle in the cups, they would still play a minimum of 51 matches. They played 62 matches during last season's Treble-winning campaign and the increase in games is largely due to the expanded Champions' League. Last season United played 13 European games, but they face 17 if they are to reach next season's final.

Then there is the World Team Championship between January 5th-14th and if United participate that could add four more games to their hectic schedule. There is also the one-off European Super Cup against Lazio in Monaco on August 27th and the Toyota Cup against Palmeiras in Tokyo on November 30th.

The Premiership fixtures for next season were released yesterday and already United must rearrange their home game against Newcastle on August 28th because it clashes with the European Super Cup.

Manchester United, however, also face a testing first month in the defence of their Premiership crown.

The fixtures computer has thrown up games for United against Leeds and Arsenal in August. David O'Leary's impressive Leeds youngsters visit Old Trafford on August 14th before the Treble winners travel to Highbury a week later in what will be an early examination of the two sides' championship credentials. United face Arsenal in the return fixture at Old Trafford on January 22th.

Alex Ferguson's men open their campaign against Everton at Goodison Park on August 7th before they play their first home game against Sheffield Wednesday four days later.

United face arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield on September 11th with the return at Old Trafford on March 4th.

Luckily United have no game on November 30th which is when they are due to play Brazilian side Palmeiras in the Toyota Cup in Tokyo.

United also do not have any league games scheduled during FIFA's World Team Championship in Brazil which is between January 5th-14th.

But if United do decide to take part and reach the final or the third-place play-off then their game against Leeds on January 15th would surely have to be moved.