Manchester United journalists have shared their predictions for the 2026/27 season, with the club expected to secure a top-four Premier League finish and progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.
Premier League finish: Fourth place expected
Tyrone Marshall predicted a fourth-place finish, describing the season as "really open" and noting that Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool could all improve under new management. He added that United would feel "closer to the title than they did last season because it will be a very close, very competitive season."
Steven Railston agreed that fourth place "sounds about right," pointing out that Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham should be stronger than last season, while Aston Villa "always deserve respect with Unai Emery in charge." He expects Arsenal and City to finish first and second again.
Ross Jackson said he cannot see United finishing higher than third, predicting Chelsea in third and United in fourth. He noted that Carrick is "no stranger to the churn of two-game weeks, albeit at a different level in the Championship."
Champions League run: Quarter-finals or last 16
Marshall believes United will reach the quarter-finals, saying they need "at least a couple of knockout ties" and noting that Bruno Fernandes has played only one Champions League knockout tie in more than six years at the club. He expects United to finish in the top eight of the league phase.
Railston said it is "practically impossible to exit the Champions League group stage" under the new format, and that United should reach the Round of 16, though he is not sure they will go further.
Jackson predicted a place in the playoffs is "far more likely" than a top-eight finish, and that United should make it through to the knockout rounds, but not beyond the last 16.
Trophy hopes: Divided opinions on silverware
Marshall said he is not sure United will win a trophy, but that does not have to count against Carrick. He noted that "domestic cup competitions do depend on the luck of the draw" and that the schedule might catch up with United, predicting a good run but no silverware.
Railston said United must target reaching both domestic cup finals after exiting both at the first hurdle last season. He expects Carrick to pick relatively strong teams in early rounds and can see United making the League Cup final, adding: "I think they can do it."
Jackson predicted another season without a trophy, saying Carrick is likely to rotate heavily in cup competitions due to the importance of a top-four or top-five finish, and United are "likely to come unstuck at some point."
Players to watch: Cunha, Lacey and Mbeumo
Marshall picked Matheus Cunha as the player to watch, saying the Brazilian No.10 "rose to the occasion at the World Cup" and "could really relish those Champions League nights."
Railston chose Shea Lacey, describing him as "the correct answer" and noting the youngster has been impressive in senior cameos and throughout pre-season. He said Lacey can provide goals and assists and "entertain supporters when he's on the pitch."
Jackson selected Bryan Mbeumo, who has looked sharp in friendlies and has had a full pre-season campaign with Carrick. He said Mbeumo has "excelled as a No.9" and could go up a gear in 2026/27.
Bold predictions: Title race and Amad bounce-back
Marshall predicted United will be in the title race for a long time, saying they will be top of the league after Everton away on September 6 and that "we will spend a good few months talking about a possible title challenge."
Railston predicted Amad will be in contention to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award after a disappointing season with two goals and four assists. He said Amad was "brilliant for the Ivory Coast at the World Cup" and can "regain his sparkle."
Jackson predicted United will finish at least 20 points ahead of Liverpool this season, noting that United have not finished that far ahead of their rivals since they last won the title in 2013. He said Liverpool "will have a shocker this season" and the gap will be as big as it has been for a long time.
All predictions were made before United kicked off their Premier League campaign with two weeks of the transfer window remaining.
