Manchester United

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It is slightly unusual that Manchester United open the new Premier League season with matches against two newly promoted sides – but after starting with a Saturday lunchtime trip to Hull City on 22 August, they entertain an Ipswich Town side who could be managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the week after.

The first Champions League game comes between a trip to Everton and the first Manchester derby of the season at Old Trafford.

United's fourth Champions League game comes between tough league matches at Chelsea and at home to Aston Villa. Another trip to Liverpool straight after the international break that follows is immediately before another Champions League match.

United will play Nottingham Forest at home on Boxing Day and among the midweek games, there is another trip to Newcastle, as there was in the season just finished, and Sunderland. The last game is at home to Fulham.

And to remind, the September and October international breaks are now combined, so United have no game between Fulham away on 19 September and Tottenham at home on 10 October.

How many points do you think United should expect from their opening 10 games?

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• Read more on the matches and rule changes for 2026-27

Manchester United will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign - a first full season under Michael Carrick - with a trip to Hull City.

The match will take place on Saturday, 22 August at 12:30 BST, with United's first home fixture against Ipswich Town on the weekend of 29-30 August.

Carrick's side face Nottingham Forest (H), Sunderland (H), Brighton (A) and Newcastle (H) over the Christmas and New Year period.

And they end their league season against Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, 30 May, when all games will kick off at the same time.

See United's Premier League fixtures in full here

How do you feel about the fixture line up? Are you pleased to see a number of home games over Christmas and New Year?

Send us your thoughts here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United expect their new stadium plans to be unaffected by Andy Burnham's departure as Greater Manchester mayor.

Burnham has been heavily involved in the plans for a new ground close to the current Old Trafford site, which is intended to be the centre piece of a 'multi-billion-pound masterplan' to regenerate the entire area.

However, while Burnham's Makerfield by-election victory means he must stand down as Mayor, triggering an election the most likely date for which is 30 July, the Old Trafford project is covered by a Mayoral Development Corporation, chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe.

Multiple sources have told BBC Sport the MDC is legally binding and has been constituted by Parliament, so only the Government can scrap it.

United feel no matter who the new Mayor is, or which party they come from, their work on a stadium that is likely to cost in excess of £2bn, can continue.

While club sources have said work has been going on behind the scenes, they hope to make a breakthrough in their negotiations with Freightliner over the land needed to build the new stadium this summer.

A deal with Freightliner is understood to be the key to unlocking the project. Until United know what land they can use, they cannot settle on a final design, which is needed to establish how much it will cost and to work out the best way to fund it.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled his grand vision for a 100,000-capacity stadium in March 2025.

United want to continue playing at Old Trafford until the new stadium is built.

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With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most. And you delivered.

Here are some of your replies:

Miles: Saturday, 19 August 1989. I was standing in the Stretford End and watched Michael Knighton showboating prior to us tearing Arsenal, the reigning champions, apart. Neil Webb also showed what he could do but, sadly, it didn't work out.

Ethan: I remember the first day of the season when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was still in charge. We played Leeds United at Old Trafford- what a performance that was! The score was 5-1 and Bruno Fernandes got a hat-trick. I was on holiday and I woke up at 6am specifically to watch it. Every minute was life-changing.

Paul: I remember a certain teenager coming off the bench for his debut against Bolton at Old Trafford in 2003. The game ended 4-0 and I remember driving home thinking I've seen the perfect replacement for David Beckham. Yes, it was Cristiano Ronaldo's first appearance.

Mark: From recent memory, my two favourites would be against Fulham in 2001-02, when Ruud van Nistelrooy scored two goals on his debut in a 3-2 win, and against Fulham in the 2006-07 season, after the infamous Ronaldo 'wink' which set the tone for a title-winning season. My least favourite has to be the first Premier League game against Sheffield United away, which we lost 2-1 and weren't very good in, but it was another season to remember as it was the year we won our first Premier League title.

Keith: August 2014 - the start of the Louis van Gaal era. A home defeat by Swansea City and no discernible improvement from David Moyes' time in charge. I remember thinking: maybe Van Gaal isn't the answer?

Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how United's 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.

Tyler Fletcher's call-up to the Scotland World Cup squad is likely a dream come true, says Manchester United academy director Stephen Torpey.

Fletcher received a late call-up when Napoli's Billy Gilmour pulled out through injury, and the 19-year-old will be hoping to make his first appearance against Morocco on Friday.

"Having known the family and having known Tyler for a very long time, I feel super proud on a personal and professional level for him and for us," Torpey told BBC Radio Manchester.

"We know there have been a lot of people who would have been working for many, many years to support him and hopefully this is just another milestone of a long career that he has.

"Super proud and it does make you realise that the dreams that some of these young players have when they're growing up can sometimes come true. I'm sure that's the case here with Tyler."

Fletcher has been following in his father Darren's footsteps by playing for Scotland, while his twin brother and fellow United team-mate Jack, has represented England at youth level.

"It's a situation that is pretty unique to him," Torpey said. "Your father is an ex-player but also your twin brother is a player.

"He's always handled it with calmness and a quiet confidence in his ability and also recognises that he's going at his own pace in his own world and we don't have to increase or slow that pace down at any point.

"We just have to have that strong belief and work together and collaborate to help him achieve his potential."

Click play above to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

Tottenham are firmly in the mix to sign Anderlecht and Belgium midfielder Nathan De Cat, with Manchester United among the 17-year-old's other admirers from the Premier League. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Nick: Morocco's Yassine Bounou would be a great signing for us. With Andre Onana and Altay Bayinder possibly leaving, we need another reliable goalkeeper to compete with Senne Lammens (who, by the way, deserves the number one shirt next season). Bounou would be the perfect choice.

Arif: Aurelien Tchouameni. We need a world-class defensive midfielder with sheer physicality and bite as well as aerial presence. Tchouameni has the experience at the highest level, is still relatively young and can serve us for many years.

Josh: It's no secret we need midfielders and Ayyoub Bouaddi was fantastic for Morocco against Brazil. I fear his price will be too high but I would definitely keep an eye on him. I was also impressed by Folarin Balogun for USA, and I think he could provide strong competition for Benjamin Sesko. Plus, that would definitely wind up Arsenal fans! Finally, I thought Zion Suzuki had a solid game in goal for Japan against the Netherlands, despite conceding two. If he's happy to be second choice for Lammens, then I'd definitely take him.

Bob: No question - Scott McTominay. A midfielder who scores Scholes, sorry goals. Superb attitude and work ethic.

Spotted someone you want for United? Let us know who and why he'd fit

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United are putting padding around the bricks that go around the Old Trafford pitch to help protect players.

United have completely dug up the surface this summer for the first time in 14 years.

When the new pitch is laid it will be slightly bigger than before so it does not immediately become a synthetic surface as has been the case before.

United feel that will help with player safety as it gives them more control when they leave the pitch.

The padding around the brickwork should also reduce the potential for players hurting themselves if they end up skidding down the slope around the pitch. The slope itself is remaining.

Scoring a goal and making a pretty positive impact when he came on as substitute for England won't have done Marcus Rashford any harm.

On 1 July, Rashford will revert to being a Manchester United player after Barcelona opted against triggering a £26m clause to buy the 28-year-old.

United say they want £40m for Rashford, who has two years left on his £325,000-a-week contract.

They also say they will not entertain another loan deal with Barcelona, which is what the La Liga giants want.

Clearly, United can't force Rashford to go anywhere he doesn't want to - and his salary rules out all but a few clubs anyway.

As it stands, United are expecting the player to return to them after the mandatory three-week post-World Cup break, which would be just in time for a training camp in the Republic of Ireland.

There is a lot of time yet for Rashford's club future to be resolved, but impacts like Wednesday's have to be viewed as a positive.

Manchester United and Tottenham have made moves to sign Netherlands forward Crysencio Summerville, 24, from West Ham. (Teamtalk), external

United have no plans to negotiate a new loan agreement with Barcelona for England forward Marcus Rashford, 28. (ESPN), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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The World Cup may be in full flow, but there's no rest for The Devils' Advocate team as they turn their attention to the 2026-27 campaign.

On the latest podcast, BBC Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath disagreed on who they believe needs to be a priority during the summer transfer window for Michael Carrick's side.

McGrath said: "Noussair Mazraoui hasn't come into his own at United. That right-back position is up there with one of the priorities."

Mazraoui featured in 21 games in all competitions for the Red Devils during the 2025-26 season.

Drinkwater believes United should strengthen the left-back position to allow Luke Shaw to be rested for some games.

Carrick's team will have an increase in games for the new season, due to qualifying for the Champions League.

"I agree that Shaw is better than Dalot, but Dalot is always available. We are going to play Champions League football next season, and I don't trust Luke Shaw to do it all season," added Drinkwater.

Newcastle's Lewis Hall has been linked with a move to Old Trafford but Drinkwater suggested he still wouldn't start Hall over Shaw in the left-back position.

He added: "If they're both fit and available, do I start Hall over Shaw? No, I don't.

"You're going to have to spend a lot of money on Lewis Hall."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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New Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says he is optimistic about the future and wants to bring "winning and exciting" football to Old Trafford.

Carrick was given a two-year contract to take charge at United after doing an outstanding job after being appointed as interim boss following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January.

United have qualified for the Champions League after a two-year absence and fans are looking forward to Friday's release of next season's Premier League fixtures with confidence.

Carrick shares the feeling.

Asked in an interview with the United We Stand fanzine if he was optimistic for the new campaign, he replied: "Yes, big time."

Carrick, who won 12 out of his 17 games in charge of Manchester United last season, outlined the kind of football he is looking for.

"Winning, exciting football is what comes to mind," he said.

"There are all sorts of different ways to get there but a version of winning and exciting football. There's a responsibility to try and produce both."

United have already agreed a deal with Brazil midfielder Ederson to join the club from Serie A outfit Atalanta when the World Cup comes to an end.

They also hope to agree a deal with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes who, along with Crysencio Summerville is regarded as the most likely to leave London Stadium this summer following relegation to the Championship.

United have prioritised strengthening the midfield positions this summer and Carrick understands why.

"It's essential to have a strong midfield and a strong spine on top of that," he said. "We're certainly conscious of that."

Although United begin their pre-season campaign against Wrexham on 18 July, the day before the World Cup final, Carrick does not feel the tournament itself will have a major impact on preparations for the new season, providing "everyone comes back fit".

And he is thankful for the trust placed in him by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, outlining the relaxed relationship between the pair.

"Nothing crazy formal," he said. "It's just chatting.

"Him picking my brains on a few things. General conversations about the players or club or feelings. It's not maybe how you think it would be. He's been good with me to be honest and left me to do a lot of the work and trusting me."

Manchester United have valued Marcus Rashford at £40m but ruled out the possibility of the England forward, 28, joining Liverpool or Manchester City. (ESPN), external

United are interested in West Ham pair Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, but the relegated Hammers want a combined £140m for Portugal midfielder Fernandes, 21, and Netherlands winger Summerville, 24. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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The deadline Barcelona agreed with Manchester United to trigger a £26m clause to turn Marcus Rashford's loan into a permanent deal passed without it being activated.

No-one expected any different.

On 1 July, when Rashford will hope to be preparing for a World Cup last-32 encounter in Atlanta, he will officially return to being a United player, with a £325,000-a-week contract that still has two years to run.

So, what happens now?

In theory, Rashford could return to his boyhood club and resume his career there.

Head coach Michael Carrick knows him well. Carrick has been a team-mate, coach and - for three games following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal in 2021 - hands-on manager of one of the recent star graduates of the academy.

When Carrick was asked about Rashford in April, he said no decision had been made about the forward's future.

He added: "Whoever's here, I want to work with them and help them to improve."

It is not quite as simple as that.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bring wage costs down and that is not easy when the highest earner is on such a huge sum.

In addition, United gave Rashford's number 10 shirt to Matheus Cunha last season and are hardly likely to take it off the Brazilian.

The summer squad rebuilding plans are being pieced together in the belief Rashford will not be part of them.

Yet it is tricky. Twelve months ago, Ruben Amorim placed Rashford in his 'bomb squad' and told him to train at different times to the main group. He did the same with Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

Last week, world governing body Fifa announced a memorandum of understanding with global players' union Fifpro. Within the detail, it was confirmed any player exiled from the main group can demand to be released – and to have their contracts paid up.

It is fair to assume ostracising Rashford this season is off the agenda.

Read more about the options for Rashford here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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For the past couple of seasons there have been demonstrations by Manchester United supporters sitting in front of the directors' box at Old Trafford complaining at the fact they were being relocated to other parts of the stadium.

An email sent to fans on Tuesday confirming Elevate as United's first "official hospitality partner" goes some way to explaining why.

United say the partnership "expands our official hospitality offering".

There are four packages listed (there are a lot more besides these).

One offers a meet and greet with a current first-team squad member; another a photo with the team captain before kick-off; a third helps with "planting the corner flag"; and another is the "dugout club experience".

All offer padded seating behind the team dugout as part of the overall package.

The basic reality is United knew they could make far more money from the seats between the directors' box and the dugouts than they had been generating.

The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.

And to get in the mood as Manchester United prepare for a first full season under Michael Carrick, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.

Get in touch with your memories here

And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how United's league fixture list has fallen.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Harry Maguire has revealed England boss Thomas Tuchel told him his World Cup dream was over on a FaceTime call.

Maguire's omission from Tuchel's 26-man squad was one of the most contentious and led to a stinging rebuke from the Manchester United defender at the time as he said he was "shocked and gutted".

Speaking on Gary Lineker's Rest is Football World Cup podcast, Maguire says he still believes he should have been picked – and revealed the method Tuchel chose to deliver the bad news.

"He FaceTimed everyone," said Maguire. "It was quite an awkward call.

"I received a text saying can I speak to you about 4pm. It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see everyone's reactions.

"I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.

"He said he can't give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the autumn.

"It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly."

At the age of 33, Maguire accepts he probably will not get the chance to play in another World Cup.

However, he has been in touch with long-standing friends in the England camp, including skipper Harry Kane, midfielder Declan Rice and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to wish them good luck.

And, despite the setback, and the knowledge Tuchel will lead the team into Euro 2028, Maguire will not quit the international scene.

"I don't think I would retire from England," said Maguire, who won his 66th cap in the friendly defeat to Japan in March.

"I still feel I have something to offer. There will be a time and a place where I don't deserve to get picked but I probably still wouldn't come out and retire.

"If I got one more cap it would be worth it."

Barcelona's option to sign Marcus Rashford for 30m euros (£35m) is set to expire without them choosing to make the 28-year-old England forward's loan move from Manchester United a permanent switch. (ESPN), external

Real Madrid have made contact regarding a move for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes but Manchester United remain frontrunners for the Portugal midfielder, 21. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester United are not prepared to meet West Ham's asking price for Fernandes, which is about £80m, but he is also a target for Paris St-Germain as well as Real Madrid. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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