So, you’re looking for the game. Honestly, being a Manchester United fan in 2026 feels like a full-time job, and I’m not even talking about the stress of the scoreline. It’s the constant "where do I actually watch this?" scramble. Between the Premier League rights, the weird domestic cup timings, and the international streaming shifts, finding out what channel is United on today is half the battle.
If you’re checking the schedule for right now—Wednesday, January 14, 2026—you’ve likely noticed a gap in the calendar. United isn't actually playing a senior match today. I know, a rare midweek breather. After that chaotic 1-2 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup on January 11th, the squad is currently in a bit of a reset phase.
But don't go putting the remote away just yet. There is youth action if you’re a completionist. The Manchester United U21s are taking on Sporting CP U21s today in the Premier League International Cup. That one kicks off at 7:00 PM GMT and is living exclusively on MUTV. If you want the senior team, though, all eyes are pinned on this coming Saturday for the big one.
The Manchester Derby: Where to Watch the Rivalry
The next time you'll be asking what channel is United on today will be Saturday, January 17th. It’s the Manchester Derby. United vs. City at Old Trafford. This isn't just another game; it’s Michael Carrick’s first match as the official interim boss following the Rúben Amorim exit. The stakes? Massive.
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In the UK, this is a 12:30 PM GMT kickoff. You’ll find it on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. They’re also pushing the Ultra HDR feed if you want to see every blade of grass in high definition. If you’re a cord-cutter, the NOW Sports Membership is your go-to, as it carries all the Sky channels without the long-term contract headache.
For the fans across the pond in the US, grab the coffee. It’s a 7:30 AM ET start. The game is being broadcast on USA Network and Universo for the Spanish-language commentary. If you’re purely a streamer, you can catch it via Peacock, but usually, when it's on USA Network, you need a live TV service like Fubo or Sling Blue to catch the linear feed.
Why the Schedule Looks So Thin Right Now
You might be wondering why United seems to have so much "off time" this January compared to previous years. It’s actually a bit of a grim historical moment for the club. Because United crashed out of both the Carabao Cup (remember that Grimsby Town nightmare?) and the FA Cup early, their schedule has thinned out significantly.
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In fact, United is on track to play only 40 competitive matches this season. That is the lowest total for the club since the 1914–15 season. For a club used to deep European runs and domestic cup finals, this lack of midweek football is a shock to the system. It means that most of the time you search for what channel is United on today, the answer will be "nowhere" until the weekend rolls around.
Where to Find United in Different Regions
The 2025/26 season saw some subtle shifts in who owns the rights. If you’re traveling or watching from abroad, here is the quick breakdown of the heavy hitters:
- United States: NBC Sports still holds the crown. Most games are on USA Network or NBC, with the "overflow" matches (the ones not picked for TV) going to Peacock.
- United Kingdom: It’s the usual split between Sky Sports and TNT Sports. Sky still has the lion's share, including most of the Sunday "Super Sunday" slots and the Saturday late-morning games.
- Australia: This is a big change for 2026. Optus Sport is no longer the home of the PL; the rights moved over to Stan Sport.
- India: You’ll be looking for JioStar (the result of the big Disney Star and Reliance merger). They’ve got the Premier League locked down for the South Asia region.
- Canada: Still Fubo. They’ve kept a pretty tight grip on the Canadian soccer market, so no big surprises there.
Is MUTV Worth It for Match Days?
I get asked this a lot. Look, MUTV is great for the "everything else." You get the U21 games (like the one against Sporting today), the U18s, and the Women’s team matches. However, they do not show live Premier League games.
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What they do provide is live radio commentary and then full match replays a few hours after the final whistle. If you’re working during the game and can avoid spoilers (which is basically impossible in 2026), watching the full replay on MUTV is a decent way to save some cash on expensive sports packages. Plus, you get the "Inside Carrington" access which, under Carrick, is actually proving to be quite interesting as he tries to steady the ship.
What's Coming Up Next?
Once the Derby is out of the way, the "where to watch" hunt begins again for the trip to North London. United faces Arsenal on Sunday, January 25th. That’s a 4:30 PM GMT kickoff, which almost guarantees it will be the headline match on Sky Sports in the UK and likely a big NBC broadcast in the US.
The club is in a weird spot. Seventh in the league, out of the cups, and relying on an interim manager who was a legendary midfielder but hasn't had the "big seat" for long. Every game right now feels like a trial.
Actionable Steps for the Fans
To make sure you never miss a kickoff, here is what you should actually do:
- Sync the Calendar: Go to the official Manchester United site and use their "Sync to Calendar" feature. It updates automatically when TV companies move games from Saturday to Sunday (which happens constantly).
- Check the Local Listings 48 Hours Prior: In the UK, the "3 PM Blackout" still exists. If United is playing at 3 PM on a Saturday, it won't be on any legal channel in the UK, but it will be on Peacock in the US or Stan in Australia.
- Monitor the Streaming Apps: If you use Peacock or Paramount+, check the "Live" tab on the morning of the game. Sometimes they snag a match that isn't highlighted on the main sports blogs.
Basically, keep your Saturday free for the 17th. The Derby is going to be a massive litmus test for this squad. Whether you're watching on Sky, USA Network, or listening via the radio, it's going to be one of those "hide behind the sofa" afternoons. Stay tuned.