Manchester United make major change for first time since 2002 under Michael Carrick

Manchester United have made a major change to their summer plans this year.

Michael Carrick's side secured an impressive third-place finish in the Premier League and will target a title challenge next season.

United showed huge signs of improvement under their former midfielder to secure Champions League qualification, and know it will be much tougher to compete across multiple fronts during the next campaign.

The Red Devils are gearing up for an important summer transfer window, in which a midfield refresh will be the priority. United are expected to sign at least two midfielders, while they could also look to add a left winger, a full-back and a goalkeeper to the first-team squad.

Carrick also knows a successful pre-season will play a crucial part in their title dreams, as they look to work on tactics and improve fitness levels ahead of a gruelling campaign. United have finally announced all six of their summer friendly matches, marking a significant change to their usual preparations.

Aside from 2020 and 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic restricted travel, United have played matches outside of Europe every year since 2002, typically heading to the United States or Asia. Those plans have been changed this year, with United set to avoid a lucrative commercial tour in favour of matches played in Europe.

A key reason for this is the World Cup. Not only will Carrick be without several key players for the start of pre-season, but the major international football tournament also makes it difficult to compete for attention in North America this summer. Instead, United will be able to predominantly base themselves at their Carrington training complex and make shorter journeys for individual matches across the continent.

Manchester United Pre-Season Fixture List

Manchester United begin their pre-season schedule on 18 July when they face Championship side Wrexham at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. They are back in action the following week when they make the trip to face Norwegian side Rosenborg in Trondheim on 24 July.

United then face Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on 1 August, where the two clubs will compete for the Snapdragon Cup. The Red Devils remain in Sweden for their next match when they face Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August.

The 2026 tour will end with friendlies against Leeds United in Dublin on 12 August and a trip to face AC Milan in Wroclaw on 15 August. The Premier League season will begin the following weekend with matches played across the weekend of Saturday 22 August.

Manchester United Fixture Dates

• 18 July vs Wrexham - Helsinki, Finland
• 24 July vs Rosenborg - Trondheim, Norway
• 1 August vs Atletico Madrid - Stockholm, Sweden
• 8 August vs PSG - Gothenburg, Sweden
• 12 August vs Leeds United - Dublin, Republic of Ireland
• 15 August vs AC Milan - Wroclaw, Poland