Manchester United have endured a shaky start to the 2025/26 Premier League season. So far, the Red Devils have won one, drawn one and lost one – and their run-in over the next few games does not look particularly forgiving.
In this piece, we’ll take a look at Manchester United’s next five Premier League fixtures and break them down based on how likely they are to win and offer our predictions.
Opponent Date Prediction
Manchester City (A) September 14 Draw
Chelsea (H) September 20 Loss
Brentford (A) September 27 Win
Sunderland (H) October 4 Win
Liverpool (A) October 19 Loss
Manchester City (A)
The Manchester Derby is up next for Ruben Amorim’s men. One of the biggest local derbies in the world, it’s due to take place on Sunday.
In previous seasons, an away fixture at Manchester City looked like an insurmountable task for United, but there are a few factors running in their favour this year.
The Sky Blues could be without 12 of their senior team players on Sunday – among them are Rico Lewis, John Stones and Rayan Cherki. United do not have a clean injury record themselves, but theirs is much cleaner than City’s. Pep Guardiola’s men have also suffered a slow start to the season – United may be able to spring a surprise on them at the weekend.
Chelsea (H)
Following the Manchester Derby, United will face Chelsea at Old Trafford. Unlike City, Chelsea have come flying out of the traps this season, picking up seven points from their first three games.
Despite this, their game against United will be their sternest challenge so far this season, having already played against Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Fulham.
This will certainly be a tough game for the Red Devils – they will need to be remain tight at the back if they wish to keep Chelsea’s attacking talents quiet.
Brentford (A)
Many touted Brentford for relegation at the start of the season, but the Bees have looked stronger than some audiences anticipated so far.
Nevertheless, with inexperienced head coach Keith Andrews, United should have enough in their tank to see them off – even away from home.
Brentford can score goals, but are very leaky at the back, having let five goals in over the course of their opening three Premier League games. United’s attacking players should be able to exploit this, though they did keep a clean sheet over Aston Villa back in August.
Sunderland (H)
When Sunderland were promoted to the Premier League after beating Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final, they were given little chance of survival by pundits.
They have defied expectations to an extent so far, but still remain one of the league’s most vulnerable outfits defensively.
This is certainly a game that United will be expected to win, but with two wins already under their belt, the Black Cats could prove to be a real banana skin.
Liverpool (A)
By far the toughest of their next five fixtures, United will play reigning champions and bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on October 19.
Liverpool are the only Premier League team with a perfect record so far, having won all three of their opening games. Regardless, Arne Slot’s men are far from indestructible.
They have let four goals in so far this season – the same amount as United. They certainly have defensive weaknesses, but can the Red Devils exploit them?