- Manchester United will face Atletico Madrid in preseason
- Five fixtures make up European tour
- Opportunity against Euopean giants for academy prospects
For Manchester United this season, there is barely a case of end-of-season fatigue. On Monday evening, the club will end a 24 day wait for a game of football.
The next seven games will shape the mood for the entirety of next season, but so far everything looks good. One of the few perks of the extended break has been that fans can comfortably see the Red sitting in third place in the Premier League table.
Just a few months ago, that was an unrealistic target. Fortunately, Michael Carrick has brought a wave of optimism back to club that will likely bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford.
With much of the preparation already pointing towards a squad overhaul over the summer, it has now been revealed how United will kick off their preseason schedule in 2026/27.
European Adventure Awaits
| Pre season fixture | Date | Location |
| vs Wrexham | 18 July 2026 | Helsinki, Finland |
| vs Rosenborg | 24 July 2026 | Trondheim, Norway |
| vs Atletico Madrid | 1 August 2026 | Stockholm, Sweden |
| vs Paris Saint Germain | 8 August 2026 | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| vs Leeds United | 12 August 2026 | Dublin, Ireland |
The club has revealed that in addition to the existing four fixtures already announced, the Red Devils will now play La Liga side Atletico Madrid on 1 August in Sweden.
Games against Wrexham, Rosenborg, Paris Saint-Germain and Leeds United make up the rest of ‘Tour 2026’.
This confirms that the Reds will spend much of their preseason in Nordic countries as part of a European tour. Club officials have opted for short trips as opposed to long-haul trips in a World Cup summer. The global appeal of United has never been lost, with Asia and North America trips becoming a norm in recent years.
The Leeds fixture could still be subject to change. Much of this will be determined by the West Yorkshire club’s Premier League status. If they were relegated, the opening weekend of the Championship kicks off on 14 August. Consequently, the game would either be pushed earlier or cancelled.
Academy Benefits from Big Games
United will finish the current season on 24 May against Brighton and Hove Albion. Two weeks later, many of the stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Mathues Cunha, Lisandro Martinez and more head to the World Cup. Staggered returns will depend on how well some nations do compared to others.
With senior stars deep in tournament runs or and then taking a short holiday, the door will be wide open for United’s academy youngsters to step into the spotlight.
The excitement is already rife for 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, who has been shining for the U18 team under Darren Fletcher. The teenager has scored 21 goals in 24 appearances this season. Other names that are expected to make the trip are Jack Moorhouse, Shea Lacey and U21 captain Jacob Devaney.
For some, it could be an audition to see where their immediate futures lie. Midfielder Moorhouse is expected to feature and will be assessed to see whether he gets the senior call-up or is sent out on loan for the season.
Performances against Atletico will be a good measure to see if certain individuals are ready for the permanent step up.
