2026/27 cup fixtures for Manchester United officially confirmed

Manchester United have spent the past few weeks fine-tuning their preparations for the new Premier League season under Michael Carrick.

The senior side head into the opening weekend on the back of a mixed pre-season, with Saturday’s trip to newly-promoted Hull City marking the true start of their season.

Contract talks over Bruno Fernandes’ long-term future have continued to dominate the headlines, while the club also continues to work towards finalising a deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.

Away from the senior picture, United’s academy sides have already been busy of their own accord, building on a memorable campaign last season.

Darren Fletcher’s Under-18s came agonisingly close to silverware throughout 2025/26, reaching two separate cup finals without getting their hands on either trophy.

Manchester United cup fixtures confirmed

Now, the group’s schedule for a third crack at silverware has been confirmed, with United’s Under-18 Premier League Cup fixtures released by United on their website ahead of the new season.

The Red Devils open with a home game against Charlton Athletic at Carrington next Tuesday, before further group fixtures away at Chelsea in October and at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in November.

It gives Fletcher’s side an early opportunity to go one better than last season, when United reached the final of the competition only to lose on penalties to Crystal Palace after a 1-1 draw.

That defeat capped a bruising end to the campaign, coming shortly after United had also been beaten in the FA Youth Cup final, going down 2-1 to local rivals Manchester City at the Joie Stadium.

Godwill Kukonki scored United’s goal in that final, cancelling out City’s opener before the hosts snatched a late winner to seal a fifth FA Youth Cup title.

United had reached that final by beating Crystal Palace 2-1 in the semi-final, avenging their Premier League Cup defeat in some fashion before the final ultimately went City’s way.

There was individual recognition to take from the season regardless, with JJ Gabriel named Best Player in the U18 Premier League after a standout campaign, while United’s Under-18s finished as runners-up in the league’s North conference behind champions Manchester City.

With Chelsea having gone on to win the national U18 Premier League title itself, United will be hoping this season’s group stage draw offers an early measuring stick, with a trip to Cobham to face the champions among their opening assignments.