Manchester United’s preparations for the 2026/27 season are taking shape, with five club friendly games confirmed across July and August.
Therefore, fans can expect a busy pre-season schedule featuring tough opposition, including PSG, Atletico Madrid, and a rivalry clash against Leeds United. Below, we break down every fixture, kick-off time, and the head-to-head record against each opponent.
Manchester United Pre-Season Fixtures 2026
Wrexham vs Manchester United – 18 July 2026
First up, Manchester United open their pre-season campaign against Wrexham on Saturday, 18 July, kicking off at 4:00 pm.
Although Wrexham have climbed through the English football pyramid in recent years under their Hollywood ownership, this fixture remains a useful low-intensity opener for United’s squad to build match fitness. Meanwhile, for Wrexham, hosting a club of United’s stature represents a major occasion for their supporters.
Rosenborg vs Manchester United – 24 July 2026
Next, United travel to Norway to face Rosenborg on Friday, 24 July at 5:00 pm. This fixture gives Micheal Carrick squad an early test against unfamiliar opposition and tactical systems.
Additionally, since both clubs rarely meet, this match offers a fresh look at how new signings adapt to a different style of play before tougher tests arrive.
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid – 1 August 2026
Following that, United host Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford on Saturday, 1 August at 2:00 pm. This fixture carries extra weight because Atletico’s defensive structure under Diego Simeone consistently causes problems for attacking sides. As a result, this match should reveal how United’s frontline performs against a side built to frustrate.
PSG vs Manchester United – 8 August 2026
After that, United face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, 8 August at 4:00 pm. Given PSG’s recent European pedigree, this fixture stands out as the toughest test of United’s pre-season schedule. Consequently, supporters will be watching closely to see how United’s new-look squad copes against elite opposition.
Manchester United vs Leeds United – 12 August 2026
Finally, the pre-season schedule closes with a rivalry fixture against Leeds United on Wednesday, 12 August at 7:30 pm. Because Leeds have returned to the Premier League, this match also doubles as a useful gauge of where both promoted and established sides currently stand. Furthermore, given the history between these two clubs, expect a competitive atmosphere even in a friendly setting.
Head-to-Head Records Table
Below is a quick reference table showing how Manchester United have fared historically against each of their pre-season opponents. Notably, these figures include all competitive matches across history, not just friendlies.
| Opponent | Matches Played | Man Utd Wins | Draws | Opponent Wins | Last Meeting Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrexham | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Wrexham 4-2 Man Utd (2023 friendly) |
| Rosenborg | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No previous senior meetings on record |
| Atletico Madrid | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Atletico Madrid 1-0 Man Utd (2022 friendly) |
| PSG | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | PSG 3-1 Man Utd (2020, Champions League) |
| Leeds United | 115 | 50 | 38 | 27 | Leeds 2-1 Man Utd (Premier League, 2025/26) |
What These Friendlies Mean for Manchester United
Overall, this set of fixtures gives Micheal Carrick a clear progression in difficulty heading into the new season. For instance, the opening games against Wrexham and Rosenborg allow squad rotation and fitness building, whereas the Atletico Madrid and PSG matches provide a sharper test against well-organised European sides.
Therefore, fans should treat results in the first two games with caution, but the PSG and Atletico fixtures will offer a more honest picture of where this United squad stands.
In addition, the Leeds United fixture closing out pre-season carries extra significance given the historical rivalry between the two clubs. Since Leeds are newly promoted, this match will also serve as a useful marker for both sides ahead of their first competitive meetings of the season.
This article will be updated with confirmed broadcast details and squad news closer to each fixture.
