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.
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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
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Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
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