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Manchester United have officially secured their spot in next season’s Champions League — making a return to Europe’s top-tier competition for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign.

By qualifying for the tournament, the Red Devils are guaranteed at least eight additional matches next season. Since they will also enter at the third round of both domestic cup competitions, Manchester United will play a minimum of 48 fixtures throughout the 2026-27 season, compared to the 40 they featured in during 2025-26.

The Champions League will begin earlier than usual this time, with the league phase kicking off in the week commencing 8 September. The fixtures will be spread across three days each matchweek. However, there will be a one-month break between games due to the extended international window, which will run from 19 September to 10 October.

United’s last Champions League triumph came in 2008 when they defeated Chelsea on penalties in the first-ever all-Premier League final. This upcoming campaign will mark their first participation under the competition’s new format.

Manager Michael Carrick deserves credit for guiding his side back into the Champions League, and United’s return to the elite stage comes with renewed optimism. The club will be placed in pot two for the forthcoming season, but they will not learn their league phase opponents until the draw is held at the end of August.

Despite that, the full schedule for the 2026-27 Champions League has already been released. With the Premier League fixture list unveiled on Friday morning, Manchester United now know who they will face following each of their eight European ties during the season.

The domestic schedule appears favourable for Carrick’s side, with five of their Premier League matches after Champions League fixtures set to be played at Old Trafford. Interestingly, two of those home games are against their fiercest rivals — Manchester City and Liverpool — coming right after matchdays one and eight respectively.

Matchday 1: 8-10 September 2026

12 September 2026 - Manchester City (home)

Matchday 2: 13/14 October 2026

17 October 2026 - Leeds United (away)

Matchday 3: 20/21 October 2026

24 October 2026 - Bournemouth (home)

Matchday 4: 3/4 November 2026

7 November 2026 - Aston Villa (home)

Matchday 5: 24/25 November 2026

28 November 2026 - Brentford (home)

Matchday 6: 8/9 December 2026

12 December 2026 - Crystal Palace (away)

Matchday 7: 19/20 January 2027

23 January 2027 - Liverpool (home)

Matchday 8: 27 January 2027

After their eighth European fixture, Manchester United will host Liverpool at Old Trafford in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the Premier League season.