Premier League to announce new season schedule on Friday; Carrick optimistic about title race and reveals ideal style of play

The Premier League has confirmed that the 2026/27 season schedule will be published this Friday at 17:00 (10:00 local time on June 19). The season starts on Saturday, August 22, and ends on May 30, 2027. New Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed optimism about the upcoming season and his desire to bring winning and exciting football to Old Trafford.

Carrick took over from Ruben Amorim in January after the latter fell out with the board. He led the team to impressive results, winning 12 of 17 matches and guiding Manchester United back to the Champions League after a two-year absence, earning a two-year permanent deal. However, club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has demanded that Carrick win the title within two years or at least come close, otherwise he will be replaced; consequently, his contract does not include an automatic renewal clause.

The year 2028 will mark Manchester United's 150th anniversary, leaving Carrick with limited time. Nevertheless, he remains confident. When asked in an interview with the Red Devils fan magazine whether he is optimistic about the new season, he replied: "Yes, optimistic, very optimistic."

Carrick also promised fans the style of play he will pursue: "I envision exciting and thrilling football. There are many different ways to achieve that, but the ultimate goal is to play exciting football, win matches, and win titles. It's our responsibility to try to do both."

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who will join from Italian club Atalanta for £39 million after the World Cup. The Red Devils are also hoping to finalize a deal with West Ham United for the transfer of Matheus Fernandes.

With Casemiro having left, Carrick confirmed that strengthening the midfield is Manchester United's top priority this summer. He explained: "Having a strong midfield and a solid spine is obviously crucial. We are very clear about that fact."

Manchester United will begin pre-season training in early July, with their first friendly match on July 18 against Championship side Wrexham, the day before the World Cup final. Thirteen current United players are participating in the World Cup. Casemiro will see his contract expire after this month, but Ederson will join, so the number of World Cup internationals remains unchanged.

After the World Cup, participating players will have three weeks of rest. Will this affect United's preparations for the new season? Carrick said: "As long as everyone returns healthy, the World Cup itself won't have too much impact on the new season."

Did Sir Jim really set a title-winning task for the United manager in their conversation? Carrick said the owner has given him trust and they have a relaxed relationship. "Nothing too formal," Carrick explained. "We just chat. He asks me about certain things—talking about players, the club, or other matters. It might be different from what you imagine. Honestly, he has always been good to me, letting me do my job and trusting me."

Carrick's former teammate Paul Pogba recently voiced his support, predicting that under the leadership of the 44-year-old United legend, the club will end its long Premier League title drought and definitely win the league. Pogba said: "Yes, I think United will win the title in the next few years and become Premier League champions again. If Arsenal can win it, then United definitely can. It's a big prediction. No disrespect to Arsenal, but I believe in United. They will win it within five years. Maybe I'm being conservative; perhaps within three years! In my view, United can absolutely do it."