Official: United confirm changes to blockbuster January fixture list

Manchester United will be hoping for a fruitful end to what has been a largely disappointing calendar year that has produced more lows than highs for Ruben Amorim and his men. However, a run of five without defeat has helped to rebuild some confidence around Old Trafford and the year ends with some favourable looking fixtures on paper. All eyes will then turn to the New Year with United hoping to build up enough steam to ensure they are in with a shout of qualifying for the Champions League come the business end of the season. The club have today confirmed dates and times of the January fixtures with details of television coverage included. Big games to kick off 2026 Whilst United will fancy their chances of picking up points from the games left in 2025, January includes three huge games which could really shape the remainder of their campaign. United start the New Year with a trip to Elland Road to face old rivals Leeds United for the first time since their latest return to the top flight. The game will take place on Saturday, January 4 at 12:30 GMT and will no doubt be played against a raucous backdrop given the disdain between the two sets of supporters. United face two away games in a row at the start of the year with the midweek trip to Burnley confirmed for Wednesday, January 7 at 20:15 GMT. Amorim will be hoping for a much more straightforward afternoon than the one endured at Old Trafford in the opening weeks which saw United get pegged back twice while needing a stoppage time Bruno Fernandes penalty to see off Scott Parker’s spirited side. The FA Cup third round then follows before United head into a mammoth double header that could help decide the destiny of the Premier League title. Crunch double header United’s first home game of 2026 sees them welcome neighbours Manchester City, a game that could have huge implications for both sides outside of the obvious bragging rights. City are expected to challenge leaders Arsenal for the league title whilst United will want to rubber stamp their improvement under Amorim. The two sides will clash on Saturday, January 17 at 12:30 GMT. A week later, United will have another chance to leave their mark on a big occasion with a trip to London to face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal next on the agenda. United will be looking for revenge after a sore defeat on the opening day. It was a fine performance from Amorim’s men that should have resulted in them taking something from the game. The Emirates will be ready to host United on Sunday, January 25 at 16:30 GMT. United have had their clash with Fulham at Old Trafford confirmed for Sunday, February 1 at 14:00 GMT, a fixture that has produced some drama in recent years. Should United gain positive results in and around the festive period, January is likely to prove pivotal in whether the club can achieve their aim for European qualification next season. Given the nature of the fixtures, bragging rights are also on offer and no doubt Amorim and his staff will have already earmarked January as month to impress the United fans who have been so loyal to the head coach through his difficult spell. Below are United’s confirmed dates for opening five fixtures of 2026: Sat 4 Jan: Leeds United (A) 12:30 GMT Wed 7 Jan: Burnley (A) 20:15 GMT Sat 17 Jan: Manchester City (H) 12:30 GMT Sun 25 Jan: Arsenal (A) 16:30 GMT Sun 1 Feb: Fulham (H) 14:00 GMT Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the Champions League victory in Paris under one the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.