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Can Manchester United win the 2026/27 Premier League? Michael Carrick explains
21st August, 2026 07:28 AM
Michael Carrick has spoken about Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League in the 2026/27 season.
The Red Devils are set to begin what is expected to be a gruelling and highly competitive campaign with the Englishman in charge.
United are seeking to end a 13-year wait for the league title, facing tough competition from perennial rivals Manchester City and reigning champions Arsenal, who have emerged as dominant forces in England, alongside Liverpool and Chelsea, who are also expected to mount strong challenges.
Potential for a title push?
United finished third last season and will feature in the UEFA Champions League, as they look to return to form as England’s most successful club.
Despite minimal signings in the summer transfer window ahead of the new season, the gaffer has expressed full confidence in his squad, describing them as capable of pushing further up the table with the title in sight.
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“It is going to be a jump,” Carrick insisted. “I said to the group that it doesn’t really matter. I cannot say we will or we won’t, but I can never say we can’t—I don’t believe that. What I can say is that it’s about what we do and achieve together as a group.”
Building from last season
The manager added that the team is capable of a real Premier League run if they can build on their form from last season, following his appointment midway through the campaign after Ruben Amorim’s departure.
“The run of form we had last season gives us a lot of confidence,” Carrick said. “But we know we have work to do as a group, and we are pushing to do that. It is exciting that we have the potential to achieve things. We have to believe we are a good team capable of accomplishing great things.”
According to Opta’s Supercomputer, United are fourth favourites to win the 2026/27 title with a 6.2% chance.
The Red Devils have now gone 13 years without a Premier League title and have only been runners-up twice in that time, but their form in the second half of last season was tremendous.
Premier League kickoff
Premier League champions Arsenal are projected to retain the title during the upcoming season that kicks off on Friday, August 21, 2026, with the Gunners facing Frank Lampard’s Coventry City at 10:00 pm.
Opta put the Gunners on a 38.0% chance of defending the crown, following a successful campaign the previous year.
Historically, defending champions face challenges, with only Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City having successfully retained titles. Only three clubs—under three managers—have ever accomplished that feat.
