Manchester United’s next 5 fixtures: A defining period for under-pressure Michael Carrick?
By Joel Masibo, September 17, 2026Manchester United’s poor start has now moved beyond a slow opening to the season and into a period where Michael Carrick’s side faces a demanding sequence of fixtures.
United are 13th in the Premier League after four matches, with just four points from a possible 12. Their league campaign has included defeat by Hull City, a draw against Everton, victory over Ipswich Town and a 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
The situation worsened on Wednesday when United surrendered a two-goal advantage against Brighton & Hove Albion to lose 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. It was the first time in 50 years that United had lost at home after taking a 2-0 lead.
That result means United now enter a crucial stretch with little room for another prolonged spell of poor results.
United’s next five fixtures are as follows:
Fulham vs Manchester United – September 20, 2026
The immediate challenge comes at Craven Cottage on Sunday, September 20, 2026, where United will need to respond quickly to the Brighton collapse. The match takes on added significance because it is their first opportunity to recover in the Premier League after the Manchester derby defeat and Wednesday’s cup disappointment.
United’s early league problems have been particularly concerning because the schedule was initially viewed as relatively manageable. Instead, they have collected only one victory from their first four matches.
For Carrick, Fulham represents the first chance to demonstrate that his team can turn promising moments into consistent league results.
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur – October 10, 2026
United then return to Old Trafford to face Tottenham, who are also yet to register a Premier League win and a goal in the new campaign. The fixture provides another significant test because it comes after the October international break and will demand a strong restart to the league campaign.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, with United hosting Spurs at Old Trafford.
Home advantage will increase expectations on Carrick, particularly if United fail to build momentum against Fulham.
Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United – October 13, 2026
Three days later, United face one of their biggest examinations of the sequence when they travel to Madrid to meet Atlético in the Champions League.
The fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
A European away match against Atlético will test United in a different way from their domestic fixtures. Carrick will need to manage the squad carefully, particularly given the short turnaround from the Tottenham match.
Leeds United vs Manchester United – October 18, 2026
United’s demanding run continues with a trip to Leeds on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
After Tottenham and Atlético, the Leeds fixture could prove physically demanding. It also represents another Premier League match in which United will be under pressure to collect points rather than merely produce an improved performance.
The challenge for Carrick will be maintaining consistency across three matches in eight days while avoiding the defensive lapses that contributed to the Brighton defeat.
Como vs Manchester United – October 21, 2026
United’s five-game sequence concludes in Italy against Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
UEFA’s official fixture list confirms Como will host Manchester United on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The match will be another away assignment immediately after Leeds, meaning United face two consecutive trips in the space of three days.
Como are also one of the newcomers to this season’s Champions League league phase, adding an unfamiliar opponent to United’s European schedule.
Defining period for Carrick
The next five fixtures therefore offer little respite. United begin with a Premier League trip to Fulham before facing Tottenham at Old Trafford, Atlético away in Europe, Leeds away and then Como in Italy.
The pressure surrounding Carrick is heightened by the contrast between expectations and results. He guided United to third place after taking over during the previous campaign, winning 12 of his 17 league matches as interim manager. That run earned him the permanent job and raised expectations for the new season.
However, the early signs of the new campaign have been less convincing. United’s summer recruitment, including a reported £148 million spent largely on midfield reinforcements, has yet to transform their performances, while Carlos Baleba has been unavailable through injury.
The Brighton defeat added another concern. United led 2-0 inside the opening 10 minutes through Shea Lacey and Mason Mount but subsequently conceded three times. Carrick accepted responsibility for the collapse and acknowledged that the performance after half-time was not acceptable.
The upcoming run will consequently provide a clearer picture of whether United’s early struggles are temporary or symptomatic of deeper problems. Fulham is the immediate test, but the combination of Tottenham, Atlético, Leeds and Como means United could face a demanding examination of their squad depth, defensive organisation and ability to perform under pressure before October is over.