Manchester United

Scores & Fixtures

  • Premier League
    Full time
    Manchester United
    3
    Leicester City
    0
  • Premier League
    Ipswich Town
    plays
    Manchester United
  • UEFA Europa League
    Manchester United
    plays
    Bodø / Glimt
  • Premier League
    Manchester United
    plays
    Everton
  • Premier League
    Arsenal
    plays
    Manchester United
  • Premier League
    Manchester United
    plays
    Nottingham Forest
  • UEFA Europa League
    Viktoria Plzeň
    plays
    Manchester United
  • Premier League
    Manchester City
    plays
    Manchester United
  • League Cup
    Tottenham Hotspur
    plays
    Manchester United
  • Premier League
    Manchester United
    plays
    AFC Bournemouth

Latest updates

  1. Can Zirkzee follow Van Nistelrooy path?published at 23:54 16 August

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Joshua Zirkzee and Ruud van NistelrooyImage source, Getty Images

    It is over 18 years since Ruud van Nistelrooy left Manchester United as a player.

    His 150 goals in five seasons puts him 11th on United's all-time scoring list but of those around him, only Tommy Taylor and Dennis Viollet get near his ratio of 0.68 goals a game.

    It is unrealistic to expect Joshua Zirkzee to hit those numbers, especially as the 23-year-old is not an out-and-out striker as Van Nistelrooy clearly was.

    But after so long in the doldrums, United supporters are desperate for another goalscoring hero - and, to that end, the £36.5m summer signing from Bologna could not have made a better start.

    "I am very happy for him," said manager Erik ten Hag. "It will give him belief. It is a very good start.

    "He has to arrive in the box because the main attribute for a striker is to score goals - and he did it."

    As Van Nistelrooy is now a senior and vocal member of Ten Hag's coaching team, he is perfectly placed to offer Zirkzee advice about how to make the most of his attributes.

    His size alone can cause defences problems but he will benefit from better appreciation of space because he can finish, as Fulham found to their cost on Friday.

    It amounted to a very pleasing debut.

    Goals can change perceptions. But Zirkzee has taken a significant step forward in his United career already.

  2. Man Utd 1-0 Fulham: 'We want more trophies' - Ten Hag published at 22:50 16 August

    Erik ten Hag waves to the crowd after Manchester United's win over FulhamImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to BBC Match of the Day: "To start the season with a win is always important. We are not ready as a squad, as a team - many players are not up to full fitness. We only had 10 days with this team training together.

    "I expect more from this team, but we have a foundation we can build on.

    "The performance is good. Over 90 minutes of course there is room for improvement- but I think, overall, the performance and execution of the gameplan

    "We are very ambitious, we want to win more trophies. We want to compete in every league we play in and now we have a platform."

  3. Man Utd 1-0 Fulham: What Ten Hag saidpublished at 22:28 16 August

    Erik ten Hag and Joshua ZirkzeeImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, speaking to Sky Sports: "Subs are always important and it was good to see in the first game that you bring a sub on and he scores the winner.

    "Everyone sees how important subs are and they have to be ready.

    "Against Fulham it is always a difficult game, but we defended and pressed very well. After 10 minutes we found our spell in the game and we kept them under pressure. We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier. That is the only criticism of the team - kill in the box.

    "Two season ago [we had] the most clean sheets in the Premier League. When we have a consistent back four we will defend properly. If you don't have a consistent back four the gaps will come.

    "I know Noussair Mazraoui like this. He is a great defender, but he is very composed on the ball. He is not in full condition. When he gets 100% fitness he can do much more. He has to build his fitness."

    On Joshua Zirkzee's winner: "Scoring for a striker is important and he should be where he was, but he has more qualities and he has to get the right balance . He has to be arriving in the box to get the finishes, but we also want him to link up. We have some great midfielders around him to make up combinations.

    "First game, but it is good to strengthen the belief. I have seen many spaces where we have to improve but that is normal."

    On Harry Maguire being replaced: "Not injured, but I had to bring him off as he had a problem.

    "The win is so important, but I am so happy to have no injuries today."

  4. Man Utd 1-0 Fulham: Did you know?published at 22:19 16 August

    Joshua Zirkzee celebrates his goal with Lisandro MartinezImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United have more wins (22) and more points (70) from their opening games of Premier League campaigns than any other side.

  5. Who will finish in the Premier League's top four?published at 17:27 16 August

    Graphic showing selection of BBC pundits

    On the eve of the 2024-25 Premier League season, we asked 30 BBC TV and radio pundits to pick their top four, with explanations for their selections.

    Manchester City and Arsenal were the only sides to be selected as our pundits' title winners, but seven other clubs were considered as potential top-four candidates.

    Ex-England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley believes Liverpool and Manchester United will finish third and fourth respectively.

    She said: "Liverpool will need to tighten up defensively and be more clinical in front of goal. Moreover, we all know that changes can take time to embed and with Jurgen Klopp gone, Arne Slot's stylistic changes toward a more controlled approach could mean a lag in performance.

    "Inconsistent last season and already plagued by injuries, United are rebuilding. They have made some quality signings over the summer so expect to see some improvements, particularly the additions of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to solidify their defence, but they will still drop points where they shouldn't."

    Former England defender Anita Asante is backing Newcastle to finish in the top four, as they did in 2022-23.

    "Eddie Howe's side showed lots of promise last season but the injury crisis they had throughout the campaign didn't help their European qualification ambitions," she said.

    "They are sure to have a big rebound this season with Alexander Isak leading the front line. With a healthy squad and only the Premier League as a primary focus, they are definitely strong contenders to finish in the top four."

    Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman agreed, adding: "Isak is key but they've got no European football and cannot possibly have the bad luck on the injury front they did last season."

    And former England international Sue Smith is predicting that Tottenham will finish in the top four: "Ange Postecoglou did brilliantly last year when everything looked like it was going to be difficult after they lost their best player and goalscorer, Harry Kane. But Ange came in and was a breath of fresh air, playing football that was great to watch.

    "The injuries massively hindered them but you feel with another year under Ange they'll kick on. Dominic Solanke is a great signing that adds goals to the team. He had a brilliant season last year with 19 goals for Bournemouth and is a player high in confidence."

    Who did our pundits pick as their Premier League top four? Read more here

  6. Man Utd look to build on pre-season optimismpublished at 16:18 16 August

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    There is an air of optimism around Manchester United ahead of the new season which does not quite stack up with how Erik ten Hag's squad is shaping up for the visit of Fulham.

    Pre-season results were not great and, as Ten Hag pointed out in his pre-match press conference, it has been tough getting ready because of the fractured nature of his players returning and the injuries United have suffered.

    United have won eight out of 11 opening Premier League games since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, which actually include some decent victories, over Tottenham, Chelsea and Leeds.

    Evidently, they have rarely been followed up by consistently positive results so a victory at Old Trafford on Friday is clearly not essential.

    However, given most of the optimism is centred around the new structures at Old Trafford, specifically the arrival of Dan Ashworth as sporting director, Jason Wilcox as technical director and Omar Berrada as chief executive, it would be helpful for that mood not to be punctured immediately.

    Follow live text coverage of Man Utd v Fulham (20:00 BST kick-off)

  7. 'I am not convinced by Man Utd yet'published at 15:21 16 August

    Erik ten Hag watches a Manchester United training sessionImage source, Getty Images
    Alan Shearer column

    Manchester United need a much bigger improvement if they are going to get closer to the top four, after finishing eighth last time.

    Erik ten Hag's side played well in the Community Shield last week, just like they did when they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May, but now they need to produce those performances on a regular basis.

    If they are going to find the consistency they have been lacking then they need to show that kind of discipline and desire, as well as the quality we know they have. I am expecting them to be better, but I am not convinced by them yet.

    Read more from Shearer on the upcoming Premier League season

  8. 'You have to perform' - Mazraoui on being a Man Utd playerpublished at 14:47 16 August

    Noussair Mazraoui holds a Manchester United shirt with his name printed on the backImage source, Getty Images

    New Manchester United right-back Noussair Mazraoui says he is ready for the pressures that come with being a United player, having turned out for European giants Bayern Munich and Ajax in the past.

    The defender, who helped Morocco reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, believes he has the right mindset to produce his best football as a United player.

    "To perform, to have pressure that you always have to become a champion, I think I'm really used to that because of the clubs I've played for now," he told club media.

    "If the club demands that, if the fans demand that of the club, they demand it of you, of course.

    "You have to perform, it's no question."

    On his style of play, Mazraoui is confident he can be an asset for Erik ten Hag, whom he also played under at Ajax.

    "I think I'm a player who adapts fast," he added. "I'm quite good under pressure.

    "When they press high, I can find a way to come out of the press. Attacking-wise, I like to really support the winger.

    "That's the guy who has to score and give the assists, so I try to support him the best I can in both ways, in defending ways and also on the ball."

  9. 'I want to help United make new history'published at 13:00 16 August

    Matthijs de LigtImage source, Getty Images

    New Manchester United centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is determined to make his mark as a Red, explaining his eagerness to be part of great things at the club.

    Speaking to club media, the former Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich defender expressed his excitement at being part of the new Old Trafford "project".

    "It's always nice to go somewhere and to feel that you're part of a new project, to feel that you're part of something new," he said.

    "Hopefully me, but also the other players that are coming now this summer, can give a great piece to the next history of Manchester United and to get the club back where it belongs: on top."

    He continued: "There's a lot of history in this club.

    "I grew up with the team of Cristiano Ronaldo, Vidic, Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes... Edwin van der Sar, the Dutchman. There's so much history in this club.

    "I'm speaking about 20 years ago but, like, even more [further back] when they won the Champions League [in 1999], the Treble... it's such a big, historic club. You can feel this already, it's in the air here... you can breathe the history.

    Looking ahead to the new season and potentially making his debut for the club against Fulham on Friday, De Ligt is relishing the "challenge".

    "To get this opportunity and to play for this club at this level, to help win them trophies, it's amazing," he said.

    "Hopefully I can have a part in the next history of Manchester United.

    "I'm driven by these new challenges; I like to get challenged."

  10. 'United pay his wages so he should keep fit to play for United'published at 12:35 16 August

    Your views banner

    We asked for your views on Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel saying Luke Shaw "should be focusing on and prioritising" his club over playing for England, following the left-back's latest injury setback.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Kelly: Absolutely right! Manchester United pay his wages, so he should keep fit to play for United. I get that playing for your country means a lot but, without playing for your club, how can one justify wearing the England shirt? Also, he is depriving others who consistently did well for their club but are still being overlooked for their country. Where is the logic?

    Essien: Manchester United should focus on getting rid of Luke Shaw. It makes no sense keeping and paying a player who is only available for the treatment table and not on the pitch. United did a similar thing with Phil Jones - they kept him and renewed his contracts when he never played.

    Dave: Schmeichel is so right. The club pays the player's massive wages to turn out for the side. It is no good them sitting on the sidelines, picking up big bucks and not playing. This is the bread and butter, not England games (particularly friendlies). If you aren't available for selection for the club, you shouldn't be playing for your country.

    Rob: Manchester United can't have players that are only available for less than 50% of the time, especially as he deemed himself fit enough to play for England in the Euros. He is another example of a player the club has held on to for far too long to "preserve his value". If Manchester United are to rebuild, then players with Luke Shaw's injury record should be out of the door.

    Billy: It is any player's dream to play in the Euros and he performed brilliantly in the final, so I don't see the problem.

  11. Manchester United v Fulham: Sutton's predictionspublished at 11:04 16 August

    Chris Sutton and Liam Fray

    A new season, and a new challenge for BBC Sport's prediction expert Chris Sutton.

    Sutton faced off against a guest for each of the 38 game weeks in 2023-24 and triumphed 21-10 (with seven draws) to secure his second predictions title in a row.

    In the first week of the new season, his opponent is The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray.

    First up on Friday evening is Manchester United's game against Fulham.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-1

    The first weekend of the season is always tricky to predict for various reasons, and with Manchester United I really don't know what to expect. I am not going to give them a win just because they are Manchester United and have had some great teams in the past, put it that way.

    Fulham sold Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich in the summer, and the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Willian and Tim Ream have all left too.

    They had a pretty decent season last time out and, although their results did drop off in the last couple of months of the campaign, they won at Old Trafford in February.

    I can see them getting something this time, too. I can only base these predictions on what I see and I have not seen enough good performances from United under Erik ten Hag to have any confidence in them playing well.

    Liam's prediction: 2-0

    I am going, and it will be good to get back in there and hear everyone singing.

    It is a big blow to be without Rasmus Hojlund who had really found his form at the end of last season, and looks so fearless.

    I still think we will win though, and I don't really care how - getting three points is the most important thing.

    Read the full predictions and have your say

  12. Our reporter asked... you answeredpublished at 10:00 16 August

    Your views banner

    Our chief football news reporter Simon Stone asked if this is "the year when Manchester United start punching their weight on the pitch again".

    So we wanted to know your thoughts. Here are some of your comments:

    Sai: Not expecting that much of a difference from last season, with many of the inconsistent and ineffective players still at the club. These inconsistent players are definitely going to disrupt the mentality of the new incoming players and the situation will remain the same until these underperforming and overpaid players leave.

    Olly: I think it's guaranteed now with a more solid foundation within the defence, the structure of the team and the structure up top that we can be more optimistic than how we were during last season. After a great first campaign for Erik ten Hag, it was underwhelming to say the very least last season, but I think we can be optimistic again!

    Meg: This will not be a year of progress. I predict the same old, same old. Injuries galore, fragmented style of play, defensive approach to the big games and ultimately the end for Ten Hag before Christmas.

    Mark: We are slowly making progress, but it's been a long, frustrating slog, with poor choices both on and off the pitch. It could be another false dawn, or we might be able to push forward. Either way, if you look at the money the club has spent it isn't good reading.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  13. Shaw should be prioritising Manchester United - Schmeichelpublished at 09:25 16 August

    Luke Shaw in Manchester United trainingImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel says defender Luke Shaw "should be focusing and prioritising" his club above playing for England.

    Shaw featured for the Three Lions at Euro 2024, having not played for United since February because of a hamstring injury.

    United announced earlier this week that the full-back will be out until September with a calf injury sustained at the start of his pre-season training back at the club.

    Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Schmeichel said: "Luke Shaw last played in February [for Manchester United] and yet he still went to the Euros.

    "He played a little bit in the quarter-final, and then some of the semi-final and then he played the final. Now, he's injured again.

    "He's so important. He's got experience and he's a really, really top-class left-back.

    "He's a Manchester United player - we pay him. He should be focusing and prioritising Manchester United and not his country."

    Do you agree with Schmeichel? Should your loyalties lie with club or country. Have your say, external

    Have your say banner
  14. Gossip: Eriksen free to leave Old Traffordpublished at 06:59 16 August

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester United have told midfielder Christian Eriksen that he is free to find a new club this month and the 32-year-old could leave in a cut-price deal. (Football Insider), external

    United have no plans to move for Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 27, and are pursuing other options. (Metro), external

    The Old Trafford club are in ongoing talks with Burnley over a deal for 26-year-old Norway midfielder Sander Berge. (Sky Sports), external

    AC Milan have reached an agreement with Monaco for 25-year-old France midfielder Youssouf Fofana, who was also looked at by Manchester United. (Sky Italy), external

    Meanwhile, former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso would "love to join" Manchester United. The 34-year-old Spaniard is a free agent by leaving Barcelona. (Fabrizio Romano via Givemesport), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

  15. 'United - and others - will not be at their best on day one'published at 19:31 15 August

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Erik ten Hag watches on from the touchlineImage source, PA Media

    This might be a familiar refrain amongst Premier League managers over the next few days but you can see where Erik ten Hag is coming from when he says his team is not ready for the start of the season.

    Around half of Manchester United's squad returned for the start of pre-season training six weeks ago.

    They were joined a couple of weeks later by some of their international players, meaning the bulk were in the United States for the club's three-match tour, which included extensive training sessions at UCLA.

    New striker Joshua Zirkzee was in a small group who started their pre-season under the direction of Steve McClaren prior to the first-team squad returning to the UK. They were joined by the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Lisandro Martinez, who reached the finals of international competition with England and Argentina respectively.

    It meant there were just four full sessions ahead of the Community Shield and now United have signed Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who have had just two training sessions ahead of the Fulham game.

    Little wonder Ten Hag has to think carefully about the team he picks to play a Fulham side that won at Old Trafford last season.

    Sympathy will be in short supply for a club with United's resources. But still, it is a valid argument. United - and others - will not be at their best on day one.