England captain and Man United defender Rio Ferdinand picked up an injury during training only days before the start of the World Cup. After having a scan it was confirmed that Ferdinand had suffered from damaged knee ligaments, and his tournament was over before the finals even started.

It is being reported that Ferdinand is making good progress with the injury and could be fully fit for the start of the new season. This news has coincided with the 2010/2011 Premier League fixtures being released.

Ferdinand had a terrible time with injuries last season and as a result he only made 21 appearances for United last season. Hopefully he will be fit for the start of the season and can have a successful season without any injuries.

Onto the fixures-

United will start the new Premier League season with the visit of newly promoted Newcastle United at Old Trafford. United have recently faced Newcastle on the opening day of the season, back in 2008 United played the Geordies at Old Trafford with the game finishing 1-1.

United finish the season with a home game against Blackpool.

As always there are some difficult periods during the season, United play both Arsenal and Chelsea games back-to-back in December and then later on in the season.

Looking at the fixtures after United’s Champions League games, they aren’t too bad but there are one or two tough looking ones. After the first United face Liverpool at home, the next one is Sunderland away, then Stoke City away, Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, Blackburn at home and then Arsenal at home.

For a full fixture list you can visit the Official Man United website or just click here.