Manchester United 2026/27 Premier League preview: Carrick can build on his impressive start

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will head into the 2026/27 season with one primary aim – winning the Premier League title.

The Red Devils have not clinched top spot since the 2012/13 campaign, which was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge.

Winning the English top-flight title for the 21st time will not be easy, yet United should be contenders after impressing during the second half of last season.

With that in mind, read on as we look at the 2026/27 Premier League season from a Man United perspective and assess whether they can finish top of the pile.

Manchester United Premier League fixtures 2026/27

Manchester United summer transfers 2026

IN: Andre Onana (Trabzonspor, loan ended), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa, £35m), Andrey Santos (Chelsea, £48m), Karl Darlow (free agent), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan ended), Tynan Thompson (Tottenham Hotspur, £4m), Cristian Orozco (Fortaleza, undisclosed).

OUT: Rasmus Hojlund (Napoli, £38m), Casemiro (released), Tyrell Malacia (released), Jadon Sancho (released), Andre Onana (Trabzonspor, loan), Sekou Kone (Lausanne-Sport, loan), Tyler Fredricson (Lausanne-Sport, undisclosed), Elyh Harrison (Greenock Morton, loan), Radek Vitek (Middlesbrough, undisclosed), Altay Bayindir (Celta Vigo, loan), Ethan Ennis (Stockport County, undisclosed), Ethan Williams (Peterborough United, undisclosed).

(Information correct on August 17).

Manchester United Premier League season 2026/27 preview

Carrick restored the feel-good factor at United after replacing Ruben Amorim as manager last January. The challenge now is to build on the foundations he laid.

The signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have strengthened United’s midfield options, and the squad now looks capable of sustaining a title challenge.

The club’s decision to steer clear of paying silly money to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest may prove to be extremely shrewd.

Anderson was woeful in the Community Shield against Arsenal over the weekend, and he already looks vastly overpriced at £116 million.

United have been more prudent with their transfer dealings under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and that strategy could pay dividends.

Carrick acknowledges that the Red Devils have made progress since he took charge and is confident his squad is ready for the challenges ahead.

“We understand the reality of what we feel we can achieve,” Carrick said. “How strong we are, what we have done over a shorter period of time and what we can potentially do this season and beyond.

“Of course, we’ve got to be realistic and not get carried away and think everything is going to be rosy, because it never is, never was, never will be.

“We understand that, but we’re excited and really positive about what’s next, and we’ve got to try and win every game.”

Carrick undoubtedly exceeded expectations by guiding United to a top-three finish last season. They had a better points-per-game record than Arsenal after he was appointed.

The defending champions have strengthened their squad this summer and looked impressive during the 3-0 Community Shield victory over Man City on Sunday.

However, while the Gunners are a difficult team to break down, they are not unbeatable. United’s 3-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium in January perfectly highlighted that point.

If the Red Devils can replicate the form they showed against top teams last season and avoid mishaps against lower-ranked sides, they can challenge for the title.

United triumphed in just nine of their 20 games against bottom-half teams last term, while Arsenal won 18. They must rectify that record.

The Gunners are worthy favourites to win the title, but United can knock them off their perch if everything clicks into place.

Read more: Premier League 2026/27 season preview.