Manchester United have looked like a transformed outfit under Michael Carrick. They’ve hit a couple of speedbumps recently, but the former Middlesbrough head coach has brought enthusiasm and excitement back to Old Trafford.
As we reach the end of the 2025/26 Premier League season, it looks increasingly likely that the Red Devils will be able to secure Champions League football for next season.
Despite this, United have some tough fixtures coming up. We’ve put together a preview of United’s next quintet of Premier League games – starting with their upcoming home fixture against Leeds United.
Leeds United (H)
On paper, this looks like a routine walkover for United – but one must remember that not only are Leeds in a relegation dogfight, they’re also amongst the Red Devils’ bitterest rivals.
The Whites will not roll over in this one – they’ll throw themselves into every tackle and won’t want to concede even an inch of space. With that being said, they’re struggling to find form at the moment, having failed to find a league win in their last six games.
This is certainly a winnable game for United, but they will need to match Leeds’ work rate throughout the contest. Being at Old Trafford will be to United’s benefit, as Leeds generally struggle away from home.
Chelsea (A)
Once upon a time, travelling to Stamford Bridge was a daunting prospect. As things stand, though, Chelsea are bang out of form. They were ripped apart by Everton in their last game – it seems that Liam Rosenior’s honeymoon period is now a thing of the past.
As such, even away from home, we would expect United to win this one. The Blues have won just one of their last six Premier League games – worse still, they haven’t even scored a goal in England’s top division since March 4.
United have had no issue in scoring goals as of late. We think they’ll be able to take advantage of their defensive frailities – they look particularly susceptible to being hit on the break, which Carrick’s United have begun to specialise in.
Brentford (H)
Brentford – whether home or away – are an absolute nightmare to play against. This won’t be an easy game for United – don’t be surprised if they drop points in this one.
The Bees, as we have all come to know, are set-piece specialists. They have scored 14 goals from set plays this season – but United have actually scored more, totalling 16 goals from set-pieces throughout the season [via GIVEMESPORT]. Additionally, six of Brentford’s 14 set-piece goals have been spot-kicks.
Nevertheless, Brentford know how to make it hard for their opponents. If United do not score the first goal, they could be in trouble.
Liverpool (H)
Even in the mdoern era, Manchester United vs Liverpool remains the biggest game in all of English football. The two clubs have just one Premier League title between them in the last ten years, but they are still international behemoths with an enormous cultural impact.
For the first time in what feels like an age, United will probably enter this game as the betting favourites. Liverpool’s form has fallen off a cliff recently – in their last game, Arne Slot’s succumbed to defeat against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Of course, trying to predict a game such as this – especially with it being so far away – is a fool’s errand at the moment. Regardless, at the time of writing, we’d expect United to win this one.
Sunderland (A)
Sunderland are amongst the strongest home teams in the division this season. They have lost their way somewhat in recent weeks, but their latest win over bitter rivals Newcastle United will have surely lifted their spirits.
It’s difficult to know how to approach Sunderland. Regis le Bris likes to keep opposition managers guessing, applying a wide variety of formations and tactical approaches throughout the season.
Again, predicting this one is next to impossible currently. With that being said, the Black Cats may not have anything to play for by the time that this game rolls around – as such, they could be ripe for the picking.