Manchester United have unveiled an eye-catching preseason schedule ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with newly-appointed permanent, manager Michael Carrick set to lead the Red Devils into a series of high-profile clashes across Europe.
The tour will see United face a mix of traditional European heavyweights and rising challengers, including
- Paris Saint-Germain,
- AC Milan,
- Atlético Madrid and
- Wrexham AFC
as preparations begin for a crucial season that follows their return to the UEFA Champions League.
Carrick Begins New Era at Manchester United
The summer fixtures mark the first full preseason under Carrick, who was handed the job permanently after guiding United back into the Champions League following the departure of Ruben Amorim in January.
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Carrick oversaw an impressive turnaround during the second half of last season, leading United to a third-place Premier League finish, seven points behind rivals Manchester City and securing qualification for the 2026/27 Champions League campaign.
Now, attention turns to building momentum ahead of what looks to be a demanding season on both domestic and European fronts.
Tour Begins Against Wrexham in Finland
United will kick off their preparations on July 18 with a meeting against Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland.
The fixture is expected to attract significant interest given Wrexham’s growing profile in world football and their remarkable rise through the English football pyramid, as the team narrowly missed a possible promotion to the English Premier League from the EFL Championship.
Scandinavian Double Header
Six days later, United travel to Norway to take on Norwegian giants Rosenborg BK on July 24.
The intensity rises significantly on August 1 when Carrick’s side face Spanish powerhouse Atlético Madrid in Stockholm, Sweden.
The encounter will provide an early indication of United’s readiness for elite European competition, with Atlético expected to offer one of the toughest tests of the summer.
PSG Showdown Awaits
A week after facing Atlético, United remain in Sweden for another glamour tie against reigning French champions, Paris Saint-Germain.
The match, scheduled for August 8 in Gothenburg, is likely to be one of the standout fixtures of the preseason calendar, bringing together two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The clash could also offer supporters a glimpse of how United measure up against one of the continent’s strongest squads ahead of their Champions League return.
Leeds Rivalry Renewed
From Sweden, United head to Ireland where they will renew hostilities with fierce rivals Leeds United in Dublin on August 12.
While officially a friendly, meetings between United and Leeds shouldn’t be too intense lack intensity, with the historic rivalry expected to add extra spice to the contest.
AC Milan Finale Before Premier League Kick-Off
United’s final test comes on August 15 in Wroclaw, Poland, where they will face Italian giants AC Milan.
The match will serve as the last opportunity for Carrick to fine-tune his squad before competitive action begins just a week later.
The 2026/27 Premier League season is scheduled to start on the weekend of August 22, although the full fixture list will not be released until June 19.
Manchester United’s Full Preseason Schedule
- July 18 – Manchester United vs Wrexham (Helsinki, Finland)
- July 24 – Manchester United vs Rosenborg (Norway)
- August 1 – Manchester United vs Atlético Madrid (Stockholm, Sweden)
- August 8 – Manchester United vs Paris Saint-Germain (Gothenburg, Sweden)
- August 12 – Manchester United vs Leeds United (Dublin, Ireland)
- August 15 – Manchester United vs AC Milan (Wroclaw, Poland)
Champions League Return Adds Extra Significance
The tour carries added importance as Manchester United prepare for a return to Europe’s elite competition.
After a turbulent campaign that saw managerial upheaval and a mid-season rebuild, Carrick successfully guided the club back into the Champions League places.
Now, with heavyweight clashes against Atlético Madrid, PSG and AC Milan lined up, United’s preseason schedule offers an early opportunity to assess whether the Red Devils are ready to challenge among Europe’s best once again.
For Carrick, the summer tour is more than just preparation, it is the first major chapter of a new era at Old Trafford.
