Rating Manchester United’s 2026/27 pre-season

Manchester United have completed their pre-season ahead of a huge 2026/27 campaign, playing six important preparation matches.

From a match-up with Wrexham in Finland to being reunited with former head coach Ruben Amorim, Michael Carrick’s side faced plenty of hurdles as they stepped up their efforts.

Each game had its pros and cons and contributed to what the Red Devils will hope to look back upon as a successful pre-season.

We’ve rated every match before concluding how helpful the 2026/27 pre-season truly was overall.

Match 1 – Wrexham

Manchester United fielded 22 players in their first game of pre-season, changing their full team at the halfway point of the game.

Their opponents came in the form of Championship Wrexham, who came out on top in a slow-paced match, where Andrey Santos made his Red Devils debut.

Overall, it was a game served for minutes in the tank for United, and gave youth players a chance to impress – no real fallout despite a disappointing 1-0 defeat.

Match result & performance rated: 5/10

Match 2 – Rosenborg

If United fans were bored during the first game of pre-season against Wrexham, they won’t have been disappointed by this showing.

It was a five-star performance out in Norway as Michael Carrick’s side blew Rosenborg away 5-0 courtesy of four Academy goalscorers.

Ahead of two matches against Champions League opposition, it was a result that would have given Manchester United some confidence heading into Atletico Madrid and PSG.

Match result & performance rated: 8/10

Match 3 – Atletico Madrid

In the first pre-season game contested at a decent pace, Manchester United beat Atletico Madrid 2-1.

A Bryan Mbuemo brace saw the Red Devils come out as victors in a tightly fought game – winning the Snapdragon Cup.

Match result & performance rated: 7/10

Match 4 – Paris Saint-Germain

Ligue 1 holders Paris Saint-Germain have won the UEFA Champions League in the last two seasons running, and appeared to be the toughest game on the pre-season bill for Manchester United.

It was a fairly weakened side that Luis Enrique’s team put out, but won’t have dampened Michael Carrick’s quiet approval as the Red Devils won the tactical battle, albeit not winning the game.

The match ended as a 1-1 stalemate and will have helped fitness progress heading into the second week of August.

Match result & performance rated: 6/10

Match 5 – Leeds United

The only pre-season game that went to penalties was Manchester United’s game against Leeds United.

Important practice for potential knockout situations, the Red Devils won 5-4 on spot kicks after a 1-1 draw.

A good win against rivals and a solid performance, Michael Carrick will have been content with his penultimate preparation match.

Match result & performance rated: 5/10

Match 6 – AC Milan

Manchester United lost their final pre-season friendly against Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan, with all the headlines surrounding United’s former boss.

It was a poor performance to head into the new season with, and goals from Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu weren’t enough.

Amorim’s team won 4-2, leaving a lot to be desired before Hull City meet with United in the Premier League.

Match result & performance rated: 4/10

Pre-season rated

It’s hard to judge pre-season, and often the successfulness comes in hindsight for football clubs after a few matches of the regular campaign.

United held the European Champions and beat Atletico Madrid, as well as seeing off minor opposition. Losses against Wrexham and AC Milan were disappointing, but ultimately count for nothing.

Debuts were handed to new signings Karl Darlow, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans – but it is clear more additions must be made.

Now focus will be directed at Hull City at the MKM Stadium. A win would be a good start to Manchester United’s campaign, as they face a competitive Premier League.

Overall pre-season rating: 7/10