Moyes' United reign begins with some testing fixtures
Darren Ash takes a look at the difficult challenges that lay ahead in David Moyes' first five fixtures as the new Manchester United boss.
As David Moyes looks to settle into the task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, he would have been hoping the release of the 2013-14 Premier League fixtures had a more modest feel to it.
The reigning league champions are entering a new era under the 50-year-old Scot, and Moyes will be looking to get off to a strong start.
The Old Trafford giants are traditionally slow starters, with the greatest sides of Ferguson's reign being renowned for their ability to kick on after the New Year.
The former Everton manager, who didn't win a single trophy in his 10 years at Goodison Park, knows that failure to land silverware is not an option in Manchester.
The added challenge of facing new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Manchester City's new boss Manuel Pellegrini, will add to the pressure on the man who started his managerial career at Preston North End.
However, all eyes have been cast to forthcoming season's fixture list, and it will leave some United fans feeling distressed.
United start their title defence with a trip to League Cup winners Swansea City.
Whilst that game poses a number of tricky issues, the supporters will have one on their next two fixtures.
Mourinho's Chelsea visit Old Trafford on the weekend of August 24, as the 'Happy One' will be pivotal for both managers to lay down a marker for the rest of the season.
Moyes will undoubtedly face comparisons to the man that has won a league title in four different countries, especially considering Mourinho was the fans elect to replace Ferguson.
He knows that a win for his side will go a long way in helping him to win over any lingering doubts over his appointment.
However, the task should be made slightly easier by the fact it is at home, in front of more than 70,000 fans.
The real test will arguably come in their next game, when they travel to Anfield to face traditional rivals Liverpool.
Moyes never won at Anfield during his time as Everton boss - Daily Mirror
The fans of the Merseyside club will be counting down the days until Moyes returns to the area. As boss of Liverpool's local rivals Everton, Moyes failed to register a single win at Anfield. That is a fact that will undoubtedly play on his mind as he leads United out for what will be an entirely different experience.
The Red Devils' next game comes in the form of newly-promoted Crystal Palace, the side from which they signed new boy Wilfried Zaha. In Ian Holloway, the Eagles' have a manager that knows the league well, but it is a game that United must win given their pedigree.
Their fifth game of the season sees them take the short trip to The Etihad for the Manchester derby against City and Pellegrini.
The two sides have been fighting one another for the league crown in the last couple of seasons, and it should be no different this year.
Pellegrini has already admitted that he "needs" to win the title - citing the fact City have spent heavily in recent years and they have an array of talent at the club.
Defeat for United would lead many to question Moyes, especially if the games prior to the derby end in disappointment for United.
A strong start to the season, and Moyes will be hailed for ushering in a new era at Old Trafford, but a below average beginning will be a real test of character, and he could start to resemble a lonely figure on the touchline at one of the world's biggest clubs.