If you’re scrambling to find out when does man u play next, you aren’t just looking for a kickoff time. You’re looking for the start of a whole new era. This isn't just another Saturday at Old Trafford. It’s the Manchester Derby, and honestly, the timing couldn't be more dramatic.
Manchester United face Manchester City on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Kickoff is set for 12:30 PM GMT.
It’s been a week of pure madness. Ruben Amorim is out. Michael Carrick is back in the dugout as the interim boss. If you’ve been following the soap opera at Carrington, you know this isn't just a game; it's a desperate attempt to save a season that’s currently wobbling in seventh place.
When Does Man U Play Next and Why It’s a Total Must-Watch
The fixture list for United right now looks like a gauntlet. After the City clash, the Reds travel to North London to face a flying Arsenal side. But first, let’s talk about this weekend.
Basically, the "new manager bounce" is the only thing fans are clinging to. Carrick was appointed just a few days ago, on January 13, following a string of draws and a nasty FA Cup exit against Brighton. He’s brought in Steve Holland and even Jonny Evans into his coaching staff. It’s a bit of a throwback, but maybe that's what the dressing room needs.
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK. If you’re watching from the States, you’ll be looking at an early start—4:30 AM PST / 7:30 AM EST.
The Full Schedule for January and February
While the Derby is the big one, the rest of the month doesn't get much easier. Here is the layout of the upcoming matches:
- Manchester United vs. Manchester City (Premier League): Saturday, Jan 17, 12:30 GMT.
- Arsenal vs. Manchester United (Premier League): Sunday, Jan 25, 16:30 GMT.
- Manchester United vs. Fulham (Premier League): Sunday, Feb 1, 14:00 GMT.
- Manchester United vs. Tottenham (Premier League): Saturday, Feb 7, 12:30 GMT.
- West Ham vs. Manchester United (Premier League): Tuesday, Feb 10, 20:15 GMT.
There was supposed to be more FA Cup action, but that 2-1 loss to Brighton on January 11 ended those dreams. Now, it’s all about trying to scrape into a Champions League spot. Newcastle and Brentford are currently sitting above United in the table. That is a sentence most fans didn't expect to hear in mid-January.
Injuries, AFCON, and the "Carrick Effect"
One thing to keep an eye on when looking at when does man u play next is the squad availability. It’s been a bit of a mess lately.
Good news first: Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are back. Their countries (Ivory Coast and Cameroon) got knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier than expected, so they’ve been training at Carrington since Wednesday.
Matthijs de Ligt is still the big question mark. He’s been out for nine games with a back issue. He’s doing individual work, but starting a high-intensity Derby after that long out is a massive risk. Harry Maguire, however, is fit. He actually played as a sub in the FA Cup game and has been very vocal about how Carrick has "injected fresh energy" into the training ground.
Noussair Mazraoui is still away with Morocco, who are deep in the AFCON tournament. Don’t expect to see him until the Arsenal game at the earliest.
A Shift in Tactics?
Carrick is expected to ditch Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. Most insiders are whispering about a return to a 4-2-3-1.
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It’s a safer bet.
The players know it.
Amorim's tactical rigidity was reportedly a sticking point for some of the senior guys. Carrick, who worked under Mourinho and Solskjaer, is much more of a "man-manager." He’s likely to give Bruno Fernandes more freedom to roam, which is usually when United look most dangerous.
What Most Fans Are Getting Wrong About the Table
You might see United in 7th and think the season is dead.
It’s not.
They are only three points off the top six. However, they haven't won a game since Boxing Day. The goal difference is a measly +4. Compare that to Arsenal’s +26, and you see the massive gap in quality at the top of the league.
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If Carrick can pull off a result against Pep Guardiola’s City, the momentum shift could be huge. If they lose, the gap to the top four could become an abyss.
Actionable Steps for Matchday
To make sure you don't miss a second of the action, here is what you need to do:
- Check the broadcast: In the UK, it’s TNT Sports 1. In the US, it’s typically on USA Network or Peacock.
- Monitor the lineup: Official team sheets are released exactly one hour before kickoff (11:30 AM GMT). Watch for De Ligt's name; if he's not there, the defense might be vulnerable to Haaland's movement.
- Sync your calendar: Matches in February, like the Tottenham and West Ham games, have already been moved for TV. Make sure your digital calendar is updated to GMT/your local time.
- Watch the presser: Carrick’s pre-match comments will give the first real hint about whether he’s going to play a "heavy metal" style or a more conservative counter-attacking game.
The Manchester Derby is always a coin flip, but with a new manager and players returning from international duty, this one feels particularly unpredictable. Old Trafford will be loud, and the stakes for the rest of the 2026 season couldn't be higher.