Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
I have decided to wipe the dust from my crystal ball and offer my (incredibly rare) predictions on Manchester United’s final three pre-season summer tour matches under Michael Carrick.
I have watched all of the pre-season campaign so far and feel that Michael Carrick has had a solid bounce-back after Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in July.
The 5-0 scoreline against Rosenborg was a pleasing sight to see before Man Utd’s 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid was the icing on the cake for last month.
With only three matches left in the 2026 summer tour, here is my verdict for what I think will play out in United’s remaining fixtures ahead of the 2026-27 season.
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1. Paris Saint-Germain (Nya Ullevi in Gothenburg, Sweden)
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is set to return to the dugout this weekend for a massive test against Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain.
I know it’s only pre-season, sure, but there is a lot of valuable experience that Carrick can take away from a potential Champions League opponent for next season.
I do think PSG is the hardest match of the tour and I have an inkling that the Red Devils will fall short on Saturday afternoon during their visit to Sweden.
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Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Michael Carrick arrives prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and AFC Wrexham at Helsingin Olympiastadion on July 18, 2026 in Helsinki, Finland.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
2. Leeds United (Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland)
With PSG out of the way, the Red Devils will travel to the Republic of Ireland and will face Premier League side Leeds United on 12th August.
As the 2026-27 Premier League season is right around the corner, it would be remiss for Man Utd not to face an English side to build some much-needed momentum.
Carrick oversaw Man Utd’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United in April and it feels like this is an opportunity for him to avenge that loss during his interim managerial reign.
My prediction: Man Utd 2-0 Leeds United
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3. AC Milan (Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland)
There is something incredibly poetic about Carrick ending Man Utd’s pre-season summer tour against the man who he permanently replaced at Old Trafford.
That’s right, 15th August will mark Man Utd’s reunion with none other than Ruben Amorim, who made his return to management with AC Milan this summer.
Man Utd fans know Ruben Amorim’s predictable tactics like the back of their hands and Carrick should as well, so I expect the Red Devils to have the last laugh in Poland.