The Premier League 2026 fixture list is set to be released on Friday morning and Manchester United could have to make do without some big names for their opening game
Excitement is mounting among Manchester United supporters ahead of the Premier League fixture release on Friday morning, with the schedule poised to provide the first look at life under new permanent manager Michael Carrick. The Old Trafford faithful are optimistic about a successful campaign after Carrick surpassed expectations last term.
Appointed on an interim basis in January following the exit of Ruben Amorim, the former United midfield legend steered the side to a third-place finish in the Premier League, delivering a return to the Champions League for the first time since 2023. However, Carrick may face an early selection dilemma, with several first-team stars in danger of being unavailable for the opening match of the campaign.
The issue stems from the FIFA World Cup 2026, which got underway in spectacular fashion in North America last week. The extended six-week tournament will reach its climax with the final in New Jersey on July 19, just over a month before the first round of Premier League fixtures begins on August 22.
That date has been delayed to allow players additional recovery time following the World Cup. However, those competing in the latter stages of the competition are still unlikely to be completely rejuvenated before needing to get back into shape for the new season.
The situation is made worse by the fact the World Cup kicked off shortly after the domestic campaign concluded, meaning United stars selected by their nations went straight into pre-tournament training camps. The predicament could leave Carrick with little option but to rest some of his biggest names at the start of the season – especially if they reach the final.
United have plenty of representation in the US, Canada and Mexico, and that includes nine important players who could go deep into the tournament. A final between England and Portugal could prove particularly problematic for Carrick and his coaching staff, with four players potentially involved.
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are in the Portugal squad, while Kobbie Mainoo and outcast Marcus Rashford are representing England. Every other United player at the tournament is the sole representative of the club in their respective national side.
Key United players at World Cup 2026:
Matheus Cunha – Brazil
Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes – Portugal
Amad – Ivory Coast
Senne Lammens – Belgium
Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford – England
Noussair Mazraoui – Morocco
Lisandro Martinez – Argentina
Vonbcdpruz
1
11 playear no be 9 playear ederson and Patrick dorgu
Carringtonlife
0
Lazy analysis find different one
RedDevilofficials
2
Journalist abeg be quiet 🤫 u just want to di make noise for side way noise no get no get for dey?? ManU no the only team talk different things 🖕🖕
Tehbemoprz
2
How do you post such nosense, Is Manutd the only team with players at the WCup
Binlause
0
everything should talk about their teams,we're laying our issues you can complain yours
Starting to cry already before the league has started yet [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
tibaiorsu
2
leave thses speculations out of the game
sacbdiklyz
0
Like other teams won't be affected too, by the way Manchester City has more players playing in the world cup than other teams
everything should talk about their teams,we're laying our issues you can complain yours
sacbdiklyz
0
No Dorgu and Ederson on the list
retcdeluyz
1
to me only martinez can reach the final so don't stress yourself for nothing
Binlause
1
Like other teams won't be affected too, by the way Manchester City has more players playing in the world cup than other teams
luoadeinps
0
Where is Patrick Dorgu!!
Denmark is not participating bro
Nambikryz
3
Ederson is missing here
diucdklps
3
man, I now confirm UTD I big, even when bad. no wonder it has less players at world cup than Arsenal and Man City, but they still discuss the possible absence of 9 players, from countries that other clubs are represented too
ManUtdAmadDialo
0
Where is Patrick Dorgu!!
Denmark ain't at the world cup bro
Wumeklptyz
0
What about Arsenal and Manchester City who have more players in the tournament. Bro journalist r beg rest you too talk man
Man United 14 players. Man city 19 players Arsenal 16 players
Jasabiortu
1
What about Arsenal and Manchester City who have more players in the tournament. Bro journalist r beg rest you too talk man
good to hear pls were talking about Manchester united not arsenal pls
Fohamoprt
2
that is the problems. after WC then EPL..
Laackmrsuy
2
So where is the headache here every team are having same issue so ???
hebaeklm
0
Please make bruno benched please 🙏
namelmuy
2
the fixture is not my problem. man United should start signing players. we need more men who can do and undo things.
jeoekpuyz
1
What about Arsenal and Manchester City who have more players in the tournament. Bro journalist r beg rest you too talk man
reyacdotz
2
Where is Patrick Dorgu!!