The release of the long-awaited GTA 6 has drawn fresh attention to an unusual coincidence in Manchester United's history. Every time a numbered Grand Theft Auto game was released, the club won the Premier League in the same calendar year.
Football fans had previously noticed the pattern, which was then reported by Thick Accent and Infobae.
The coincidence occurred five times:
- 1997 — the first GTA was released and Manchester United won the title.
- 1999 — GTA 2 was released and United won the Premier League.
- 2001 — GTA 3 was released and United won another title.
- 2008 — GTA 4 was released and Alex Ferguson's team won the title.
- 2013 — GTA 5 was released and Manchester United won their most recent title.
Rockstar Games are now preparing to release GTA 6 on 19 November 2026. On 10 November, the company made the game available to pre-load for customers who had pre-ordered it.
This time, however, the footballing omen has run up against reality. Arsenal have already been crowned Premier League champions in 2026, winning the 2025/26 season. United are 18th after ten matches of the new campaign, with just eight points.
As a result, if the calendar year of the game's release is the measure, the run of coincidences has already ended. Manchester United's chances of winning the title in the 2026/27 season also look extremely doubtful.
Just three days after GTA 6's release, on 22 November, United are due to face rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
