Sports journalist Andrei Dyumin examines whether the Mancunians truly have the grounds to be considered title contenders for the 2026/27 season.
The bold statement from 20-year-old central defender Leni Yoro of Manchester United about the intention not only to win every match but also to claim the Premier League title is, in itself, a serious challenge. However, when such confidence is echoed by representatives across all levels of the club, the question arises: do the Mancunians really have a solid basis for their title aspirations in the 2026/27 season?
Despite Manchester United not being in a genuine title race for 13 years – since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure – hopes surrounding the team are higher than ever as the new season approaches. The foundation for this optimism has been the impressive run under Michael Carrick last season.
A powerful surge in the second half of the 2025/26 season allowed Manchester United to finish in third place. Now, as Michael Carrick prepares for a full season at the helm, there is no intention within the club to lower the bar of expectations.
“The magic of Manchester United has returned”: the faith of the hierarchy and players
The mood in the team is indeed excellent, Leni Yoro noted during the pre-season tour.
We are working very hard, and there is a wonderful atmosphere off the pitch. So our goal this season is to win every game, to be honest. To be the best team, to win trophies, and to be at the very top.
This idea of competing for top honours is supported not only by the young defender. Head coach Michael Carrick, typically avoiding bold proclamations, has also expressed a profound emotional connection with the project:
From the moment I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. The responsibility of leading our special club fills me with immense pride. Over the last five months, these players have shown they can meet the standards of resilience, togetherness, and determination that we demand.
Now it's time to move forward together, with ambition and a clear understanding of our goal. Manchester United and our incredible fans deserve to be fighting for the biggest trophies once again.
Midfielder Mason Mount emphasised back in the spring that winning Premier League gold medals is both his main personal and team goal. Team captain Bruno Fernandes has repeatedly stated that he joined the club solely to win the Premier League.
Meanwhile, club CEO Omar Berrada publicly set the objective of bringing the championship trophy back to Old Trafford by the club's 150th anniversary in 2028, adding that ideally, this should be achieved in the upcoming season.
Statistical arguments: why Manchester United are considered title contenders
The key factor in favour of Manchester United is the team's performance in the second half of last season. Since Michael Carrick returned to the managerial role in January, the Mancunians have gained more points and scored more goals than any other club in the Premier League. This period was made up of 17 matches – almost half a season – and included tough clashes against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
Manchester United's attacking stats for the 2025/26 season (Opta data)
- Goals from open play: 46 (2nd in Premier League)
- Expected goals from open play (open-play xG): 45.81 (4th in Premier League)
- Shots from open play: 439 (3rd in Premier League)
- Goals from set pieces: 19 (joint 2nd in Premier League)
- Expected goals from set pieces (set-piece xG): 14.95 (8th in Premier League)
Total investments in attack exceeding $270 million have borne fruit. The trio of forwards consisting of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Šeško had a convincing debut season, hitting optimal form by spring. The presence of Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu, Shy Lacey, and 15-year-old talent Jay-Jay Gabriel ensures necessary depth.
One of the most significant advantages for United ahead of the 2026/27 season will be cohesion and stability. While nine Premier League clubs enter the season with new head coaches (including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool), Michael Carrick is already among the league's longest-serving managers.
Why do doubts remain?
Despite the impressive statistics, the conditions of the new season will be drastically different from the spring stretch.
- Fixture schedule and rotation: Last season, Michael Carrick had the opportunity to prepare the team on a weekly cycle, while opponents exhausted themselves with European fixtures. With the return of the Champions League to Old Trafford, the Mancunians face at least eight additional high-stakes matches. Carrick, as a coach, has yet to experience rotating the squad at such a pace.
- Defensive and midfield issues: Concerns surround Lisandro Martinez's injury record, as well as the final formation of the midfield after Casemiro's departure. Last season, Manchester United were the worst club in the Premier League in terms of goals conceded due to opposition counter-attacks.
Whether Michael Carrick can handle the increased demands and meet the lofty expectations from all levels of the club will become clear right from the start of the new championship.
