Manchester United started this season off the back of a third-place finish that returned Champions League football to Old Trafford for the first time in several years. It marked a significant turnaround from the turbulence of the previous 18 months.
Anyone checking Premier League odds will find United strong favourites, but the bigger question all season will be whether that top-three finish was a platform for a genuine title challenge or simply a peak to build from gradually.
United’s recent history against the two clubs above them last season suggests there is still ground to make up before they can be considered genuine contenders again for the biggest prize in English football.
Michael Carrick’s permanent charge
Carrick took over as interim manager following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January 2026 and impressed enough to be handed the job full time after guiding United to third place. His appointment brings a sense of continuity after several turbulent managerial changes at Old Trafford in recent seasons, and Champions League qualification alone will ease some of the pressure that comes with life after Sir Alex Ferguson’s era.
New arrivals led by Youri Tielemans
United’s summer business has centred on adding experience and depth in midfield. Youri Tielemans joined from Aston Villa for around £35m after a strong World Cup with Belgium, while Andrey Santos arrived from Chelsea for roughly £50m.
Karl Darlow signed as goalkeeping cover on a free transfer, and Rasmus Hojlund left for Napoli in a permanent deal following his loan spell there, along with departures for Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho.
The key players carrying United’s hopes
Bruno Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat of the side, while Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu have both scored in recent derby wins over Manchester City since their moves to Old Trafford. Matheus Cunha has also become a regular source of important goals since arriving, and Tielemans is expected to add the composure in midfield that United have often lacked in bigger matches over the past few seasons.
Their record against Arsenal and Manchester City
United have won three, drawn three and lost six of their 12 Premier League meetings with Arsenal and Manchester City across the last three seasons, a record that reflects genuine competitiveness without consistent dominance over either rival. For those tracking football odds at the other end of the table, it is a reminder of just how wide the gap in form can be across a single division, even for a club with United’s history and resources.
What it would take to challenge for the title
United’s recent away wins at both Arsenal and Manchester City in January 2026 suggest they are capable of matching the league’s best on their day, but doing so consistently across 38 games is a different challenge entirely.
Squad depth, particularly in central midfield and up front, will likely decide whether United can sustain a title challenge or simply consolidate their return to the Champions League places for another season.
A genuine title bid remains a stretch on last season’s evidence, but the foundations Carrick has built suggest United are at least moving back in the right direction after several difficult years spent outside the conversation entirely.
