Manchester United will begin the 2025/26 Premier League season at Old Trafford with a high-stakes opener against Arsenal on August 17, as Ruben Amorim looks to put last season’s misery behind him.
United endured a disastrous campaign in 2024/25, finishing 15th and losing 18 matches—only the relegated sides and Everton conceded more goals. Adding insult to injury, arch-rivals Liverpool lifted the league title, equalling United’s all-time tally of 20 top-flight crowns.
Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag last November, now hopes a full pre-season can set the tone for a revival. “It was important to close the last chapter. I’m excited for the new season. I don’t need rest—I need preparation,” the Portuguese boss said ahead of the new campaign.
Manchester United’s schedule throws up several daunting fixtures early on. After the Arsenal opener, they travel to Fulham and then host Burnley before the first Manchester derby against City on September 13. That’s followed by a clash with Chelsea and a trip to Brentford.
The Red Devils’ first meeting with Liverpool comes at Anfield on October 18, while the return fixture is scheduled for May 2 at Old Trafford. Another key date is the second Manchester derby, taking place on January 17.
In response to last season’s scoring struggles, United have added Wolves’ Matheus Cunha to their ranks and are in advanced talks to bring in Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. The two forwards combined for 35 Premier League goals last season—output United hope can reinvigorate their attack.
The festive fixture list will see United face Aston Villa away on December 20, Newcastle at home on December 27, and Wolves again on December 30—marking a demanding holiday stretch despite the league’s decision to omit Boxing Day games this season.
United’s Premier League fixture list in full:
August
- 17: Arsenal (H)
- 23: Fulham (A)
- 30: Burnley (H)
September
- 13: Manchester City (A)
- 20: Chelsea (H)
- 27: Brentford (A)
October
- 4: Sunderland (H)
- 18: Liverpool (A)
- 25: Brighton (H)
November
- 1: Nottingham Forest (A)
- 8: Tottenham (A)
- 22: Everton (H)
- 29: Crystal Palace (A)
December
- 3: West Ham (H)
- 6: Wolves (A)
- 13: Bournemouth (H)
- 20: Aston Villa (A)
- 27: Newcastle (H)
- 30: Wolves (H)
January
- 3: Leeds (A)
- 7: Burnley (A)
- 17: Manchester City (H)
- 24: Arsenal (A)
- 31: Fulham (H)
February
- 7: Tottenham (H)
- 11: West Ham (A)
- 21: Everton (A)
- 28: Crystal Palace (H)
March
- 4: Newcastle (A)
- 14: Aston Villa (H)
- 21: Bournemouth (A)
April
- 11: Leeds (H)
- 18: Chelsea (A)
- 25: Brentford (H)
May
- 2: Liverpool (H)
- 9: Sunderland (A)
- 17: Nottingham Forest (H)
- 24: Brighton (A)
With a reshaped squad and a clean slate, United will aim to climb back toward the Premier League elite. But early tests, including back-to-back showdowns with City and Liverpool, will determine whether Amorim’s rebuild is on solid ground.