[8] Manchester United began their Premier League campaign with a 1–0 defeat at Goodison Park to Everton on 20 August 2012,[9] with Marouane Fellaini scoring the only goal in the 57th minute.

In the second half, Morgan Schneiderlin gave the hosts the lead again, before United were awarded a penalty after Jos Hooiveld fouled Van Persie; his spot kick was saved by Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis.

In the 87th minute, Van Persie atoned for his penalty miss by scoring his second goal of the game, before heading in a stoppage time winner from Nani's corner, completing his hat-trick.

Goals from Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra, both headed from corners gave United a 2–0 lead before Tom Cleverley scored a curling screamer from 25 yards.

United struck twice in the opening 12 minutes; the first occasion being an own goal by David Luiz after Robin van Persie's shot hit the post and bounced off the Brazilian, and then the Dutchman himself scored the second.

Just before half time, Juan Mata scored a free kick to bring Chelsea back into the game, before Ramires equalised for the hosts ten minutes after the break.

Branislav Ivanović was shown the red card for a foul near the area, and nine minutes later, Fernando Torres received a second yellow for diving.

United established a three-point lead at the top of the table after edging a seven-goal thriller against Reading at Madejski Stadium.

In the second half, Ashley Young scored a goal that was ruled out for offside, and Yaya Touré pulled one back for City moments later.

In the dying minutes of the game, Robin van Persie dispatched a free kick deflected off Samir Nasri to give United the lead and send them six points clear at the summit.

Patrice Evra headed the Reds in front before Swansea striker Michu netted his 13th goal of the season in a see-sawing first half.

In the 74th minute, a fight ensued when Swansea captain Ashley Williams kicked a ball which struck the back of Robin van Persie's head after he had been fouled by Nathan Dyer.

The game ended as a 1–1 draw, United's first of the season, but it was enough to ensure a four point lead at the top of the table on Christmas Day.

Jonny Evans then scored for both teams in quick succession, first equalising for United before putting through his own net to restore Newcastle's lead; the goal was originally ruled out for offside against Papiss Cissé, who was lurking behind Evans, but referee Mike Dean allowed it to stand, having deemed that Cissé was not interfering with play.

Later in injury time, substitute Robin van Persie scored a wonderful curling shot assisted by Antonio Valencia to make it 2–0.

Javier Hernández latched onto a rebound from Patrice Evra's shot and Robin van Persie rounded Iván Ramis and converted before half time.

Van Persie himself scored the fourth goal after receiving a short-driving cross from Danny Welbeck from the left hand side of the post to make it 4–0.

After their midweek home win, United then travelled to London to play Fulham where the deadlock was finally broken by a goal from Rooney in the 79th minute.

United then capitalised on the defeat of their nearest neighbours and closest rivals at Southampton the day before by beating Everton 2–0 at Old Trafford to extend their lead at the top of the table to twelve points with goals from Ryan Giggs early in the first half and Van Persie just before half time and avenging the 1–0 defeat they suffered in their first match of the season.

James Milner scored the first for City with a deflected drive, but United equalised after Phil Jones headed a Van Persie free-kick against Vincent Kompany.

Michael Carrick scored a toe poke from a corner in the second minute and a late Van Persie penalty secured the points for United.

This was a tough game that saw the hosts go ahead twice through Ricardo Vaz Tê and Mohamed Diamé, but United equalised twice through Antonio Valencia, who netted his first goal of the season, and Robin van Persie.

On 28 April, Manchester United travelled to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal, where they were given a guard of honour, although Van Persie received a torrid reception by fans of his former club.

United then faced Chelsea at Old Trafford, recording their third-straight defeat to the Blues in the season after losing 1–0, courtesy of an own goal by Phil Jones.

Despite taking a 5–2 lead, they couldn't hold on to it and drew 5–5, setting a record for the first match in the Premier League in which both teams scored five goals each.

The draw for the fifth round took place on 27 January 2013, and gave United another home match, this time against fellow Premier League club Reading.

[16] The draw for the sixth round took place on 17 February 2013, and gave United another home match,[17] this time against fellow Premier League club Chelsea.

As one of seven English clubs who qualified for European competition in the 2011–12 season, United received a bye to the Third Round of the League Cup.

United fell behind early in the second half when Braga was awarded a penalty as the result of a Jonny Evans challenge.

With top spot in the group secured United, fielding younger squads, lost both of their final matches 1–0 to Galatasaray and CFR Cluj.