You’re probably checking your watch, wondering if you’ve got enough time to grab a pie or settle into the sofa before the whistle blows. Football schedules are a nightmare lately. Between the TV companies moving games for "broadcast purposes" and the endless shuffle of cup replays, keeping track of when is next Manchester United game feels like a full-time job.
Honestly, the schedule is packed. We are currently in the thick of the 2025/26 season, and the fixtures are coming thick and fast. If you're looking for the immediate answer, the Red Devils are heading into a massive clash that could basically define their momentum for the next month.
The Big One: Manchester United vs. Manchester City
The next time United take to the pitch is Saturday, January 17, 2026. This isn't just any game; it's the Manchester Derby. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 GMT at Old Trafford.
For the fans in the States, you're looking at a bright and early start. It's roughly 7:30 AM ET or 4:30 AM PT.
There is a weird energy around the club right now. Michael Carrick has stepped into the dugout, and there’s that "new manager bounce" everyone talks about, but facing Pep’s City is a hell of a way to start a tenure. City are chasing Arsenal at the top of the table, and United are sitting in 7th, desperately trying to claw back into the Champions League spots.
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The last few results have been... well, "mixed" is the polite way to put it. A 2-2 draw with Burnley and a disappointing FA Cup exit to Brighton have left fans a bit on edge. But the derby? That's where logic goes out the window.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of January and February
If you're planning your life around the TV schedule, you've gotta be careful. These dates are mostly locked in, but never say never when it comes to the Premier League making last-minute tweaks.
After the City game, the road doesn't get any easier.
The Arsenal Trip
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, United travel to North London to face Arsenal at the Emirates. That one is a 16:30 GMT kick-off. Arsenal are currently leading the league, so expect a tactical chess match. It's usually a high-scoring affair, but with United’s current defensive record, fans are mostly just hoping for a solid performance.
Closing out the Month
To wrap up January, Fulham comes to Old Trafford on Saturday, January 31. This is one of those "must-win" games. If United want to be taken seriously for a top-four finish, they can't be dropping points against mid-table sides at home. Kick-off for that one is slated for 15:00 GMT, though that hasn't been picked up by the major UK broadcasters for live airing yet, so it might be a "3 PM blackout" situation for local fans.
February’s Brutal Run
February looks like a gauntlet. Here’s the rough outline of what’s coming:
- February 1: Fulham (H) - actually shifted to Sunday for some fans depending on travel.
- February 7: Tottenham Hotspur (H) at 12:30 GMT. Another massive top-four battle.
- February 10: West Ham (A). A Tuesday night under the lights at the London Stadium. 20:15 GMT kick-off.
- February 23: Everton (A). Monday Night Football. 20:00 GMT.
Why the Schedule Keeps Changing
You might notice that if you check the official site one day and a fan blog the next, the times don't always match up. This usually happens because of the "Tier" system of matches.
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The Premier League and broadcasters like Sky Sports and TNT Sports usually announce their TV picks about six weeks in advance. This means a Saturday 3 PM game can suddenly become a Sunday 4:30 PM game. It’s a nightmare for anyone booking trains.
For the big games—like the ones against Liverpool or City—they almost always get moved to the "prime" slots.
How to Watch and Where to Get Tickets
If you’re trying to catch the game live, the Manchester Derby is being shown on USA Network in the United States and TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
Getting tickets for Old Trafford is a different beast entirely. For a game like City or Arsenal, you basically need to be an official member and have a decent amount of "loyalty points." If you're traveling from abroad, the safest (though most expensive) bet is usually the hospitality packages.
Don't buy from those random "ticket bot" sites on Twitter. Seriously. You’ll end up at the gate with a fake QR code and a very sad face. Stick to the official channels or recognized supporters' clubs.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Fixtures
A lot of people assume that because a game is "scheduled," it’s a guarantee. It isn't.
If United had stayed in the FA Cup, some of these February dates would have been wiped out for fifth-round fixtures. Since they're out, the schedule is a bit more stable, but European commitments (depending on how the knockout rounds shake out) can still cause a Sunday game to move to a Monday.
Also, keep an eye on the weather. We’ve seen games postponed for "frozen pitches" or high winds before, especially in those late January slots.
Actionable Steps for United Fans
Don't just wait for the notification to pop up on your phone ten minutes before kick-off. If you want to stay ahead of the curve:
- Sync the Calendar: Go to the official Manchester United website and use their "Sync to Calendar" feature. It updates automatically when the Premier League moves a game from Saturday to Sunday.
- Check the Local Listings: If you're in the UK, keep an eye on the Premier League’s TV broadcast cycle. They usually release the next block of "moved" games every month.
- Verify the Venue: Double-check if the game is at Old Trafford or away. It sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many people realize too late that the "Home" game was actually moved because of a stadium clash or police request.
- Plan for the 3 PM Blackout: If the game is on a Saturday at 3 PM in the UK, it won't be on TV there. You'll need to find a local radio broadcast (BBC Radio 5 Live is the go-to) or follow the live blog.
The Manchester Derby is the immediate priority. Everything else is just noise until that whistle goes. Get the coffee ready or head to the pub early—it’s going to be a long morning.