Manchester United have been granted their request by the Premier League to begin the 2026-27 season away from home, as Old Trafford undergoes significant renovations. The club's first match will be against newly-promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, August 22, at 12:30pm.
Old Trafford Pitch Renovation
The pitch at Old Trafford has been dug up for the first time in 14 years, with ground staff working to lay new turf. Safety features are also being installed to prevent injuries like the one Benjamin Sesko suffered when he was pushed down the three-foot slope and hit advertising boards.
Fixture Schedule
United's staff have an extra week to prepare the pitch for their home opener against Ipswich Town on August 29. After that, they travel to Everton before hosting Manchester City. Their last game before a three-week international break is away to Fulham, meaning only two home league games before October 10.
Pre-Season Tour
This summer, United will tour Europe, facing Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds, and AC Milan in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, and Poland. Manager Michael Carrick will assess his squad ahead of their Champions League return after a third-placed finish.
Transfer Activity
United are yet to make a signing, but a £35million move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, currently at the World Cup with Brazil, is close. Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia have left the club after their contracts expired.
Carrick said: "There's obviously work to do. It's not any more important than the last window, but we need to make the most of it."
