Premier League 2014-15: Season to begin after record spending

The 20 top-flight clubs have invested an estimated £647m - £17m more than in the whole of last summer - with experts believing the figure could reach £1bn.Manchester United, under new boss Louis van Gaal, kick off the season in the early game against Swansea.Chelsea start as favourites, while Manchester City are the holders.Saturday, 16 AugustManchester United v Swansea Leicester v EvertonQPR v HullStoke v Aston VillaWest Brom v SunderlandWest Ham v TottenhamArsenal v Crystal Palace Sunday, 17 AugustLiverpool v Southampton Newcastle v Manchester City Monday, 18 AugustBurnley v Chelsea It is the second year in a row that Manchester United start with a new manager, with Van Gaal looking to improve on the seventh-placed finish achieved by predecessor David Moyes.The Dutchman is one of four new bosses in the league, while 10 players have come in for fees of £20m or more, with Alexis Sanchez's £35m move to Arsenal the biggest so far.(BBC)Bakudaily.Az