It is time for Manchester United fans to stop doubting and start believing, as things are getting better. Fans should ignore the noise outside, focus on the team, believe in the project, and back any manager at Old Trafford.
We were all here in the 2019/2020 season when Mikel Arteta finished 8th, then 6th in his second season, and Arsenal fans still backed him. Manchester United fans should not be different.
Lots of changes have been happening from the 2025 summer to now in 2026. Look at the players United are no longer targeting and the direction the club is taking.
Now look at United’s 2025 preseason fixtures:
- 19th July 2025: vs Leeds United – Strawberry Arena, Stockholm
- 27th July 2025: vs West Ham – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (Premier League Summer Series)
- 31st July 2025: vs Bournemouth – Soldier Field, Chicago (Premier League Summer Series)
- 3rd August 2025: vs Everton – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (Premier League Summer Series)
- 9th August 2025: vs Fiorentina – Old Trafford
Due to not qualifying for European football, United mainly played Premier League teams during the 2025/26 preseason.
Now look at the confirmed preseason fixtures for July and August 2026 ahead of the 2026/27 season:
- vs West Ham – Helsinki (July 18, 2026)
- vs Rosenborg BK – Trondheim (July 24, 2026)
- vs Atletico Madrid – Stockholm (August 1, 2026)
- vs PSG – Gothenburg (August 8, 2026)
- vs Leeds United – Croke Park (August 15, 2026)
Some Asia friendlies were considered but will not happen.
Softfootball believes, this preseason was made possible due to United’s improved performance, as they are now on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League. These are small details that fans and analysts should pay attention to, as the club is gradually moving in a positive direction.
Manchester United have gone 13 years without winning the Premier League, and by 2027, Chelsea will also reach 10 years without a league title. Things are no longer the same, competition in the Premier League is now very intense, and constant hiring and firing of managers is not helping the situation.
