Man Utd's eight Champions League opponents confirmedpublished at 17:56 BST
17:56 BST
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Manchester United's draw is complete - Michael Carrick's side now know the eight sides they will be meeting in the Champions League's 36-club league phase.
The teams were seeded into four pots based on their results in Uefa competitions over the past five years, with pot one being the highest-ranked and pot four being the lowest-ranked.
Each club has been drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, but they can only play a maximum of two teams from one country and they cannot play against a team from their domestic league.
The three-time Champions League winners will face: Bayern Munich (H), Atletico Madrid (A), Roma (H), Sporting (A), RB Leipzig (H), Villarreal (A), Sabah (H), Como (A).
The order of those fixtures will be announced by Uefa in due course.
League phase dates:
Matchday 1: 8-10 September 2026
Matchday 2: 13-14 October 2026
Matchday 3: 20-21 October 2026
Matchday 4: 3-4 November 2026
Matchday 5: 24-25 November 2026
Matchday 6: 8-9 December 2026
Matchday 7: 19-20 January 2027
Matchday 8: 27 January 2027
Knockout phase dates:
Knockout phase play-offs: 16-17 and 23-24 February 2027
Baleba's 'a huge talent' - Campbellpublished at 11:18 BST
11:18 BST
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Former Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell says new signing Carlos Baleba "is a huge talent" and has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
United targeted 22-year-old Baleba after deciding to strengthen their midfield further following the summer arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Baleba made 112 appearances for Brighton, scoring four times, including 31 in the Premier League last season as they finished eighth to qualify for this season's Conference League.
"I like him and I like his physicality," said Campbell on BBC Radio Manchester. "He carries the ball well and is strong in and out of possession.
"They've been admiring him from a distance for some while. He might not be the finished project now, but two seasons ago he was showing signs that he could be a top midfielder in the Premier League.
"He's a huge talent, but he's got to be nurtured well by those around him that have more experience.
"Hopefully, United can turn him into a little bit of a legend."
Has 'optimism gone' after Man Utd's opening defeat?published at 08:43 BST
08:43 BST
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The Devils' Advocate podcast co-host Gaz Drinkwater does not believe Manchester United can challenge for the Premier League title this season after their loss at Hull City on the opening weekend and says his "optimism has gone" for the new season.
Michael Carrick's side were looking to build on a strong end to last season and a third-placed finish after struggling under his predecessor, Ruben Amorim. However, Saturday's surprise defeat has led to some United fans rethinking their ambitions for this campaign.
Drinkwater said: "I did not think Manchester United were going to win the Premier League title this season but the best thing about pre-season is that deluded optimism that you can have that maybe, who knows? And that's gone after one game.
"That's not me being overly dramatic because I'm specifically talking about winning the league. I thought maybe we would get to January and February with the squad we've assembled and a few more players, and maybe we could be within eight points, 10 points, and then you just never know. Let's keep it going, it could be fun.
"And then straight away you know if you're playing like that against a newly promoted side, who are the worst team in the division, you're winning diddly squat. You're not challenging for the Premier League."
On a more optimistic note, YouTuber Tom Cooney said he believes the players will want to kick on in their next game against Ipswich Town and the loss to Hull shouldn't be a "disaster".
"They should be itching to get back out, get a good result against a newly promoted side at home and kick on," he said.
"I don't think we're the only team that's looked like we've been caught a little bit cold this weekend. I wouldn't expect it to rumble on. I would hope not."
Gossip: Man Utd eye Barca left-back Baldepublished at 07:12 BST
07:12 BST
Barcelona and Spain defender Alejandro Balde, 22, remains on Manchester United's shortlist to reinforce their left-back position. (Fichajes - in Spanish, external)
Five Premier League clubs await Champions League drawpublished at 06:50 BST
06:50 BST
Jonty Colman BBC Sport journalist
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The league phase draw for the 2026-27 Champions League takes place at 17:00 BST in Monaco.
A total of 36 teams will take part in the league phase and each team will face eight different teams once, with four home matches and four away matches.
For the draw, the 36 teams will be placed into four pots, with one being the highest-ranked and four being the lowest. The pot placements are based on the clubs' Uefa club coefficient ranking from the five-season period ending at the conclusion of 2025-26.
Each team will face two teams from each of the four pots and cannot face a team from the same country as themselves.
The teams who finish in the top eight will qualify for the last 16. Those between ninth and 24th will enter the play-off knockout round. The 12 teams ranked between 25th and 36th will exit the competition when the league phase is concluded.
Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all feature in pot one alongside back-to-back Champions League winners Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Aston Villa and Manchester United both return to the Champions League this season after not featuring last term. They are in pot two with Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Sporting, Porto, Club Brugge, Real Betis and PSV Eindhoven.
How many games can Shaw play?published at 16:43 BST 26 August
16:43 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
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Signing an additional left-back has looked an obvious thing for Manchester United to do.
Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season and he started at Hull on Saturday. Of United's past 44 league games, the 31-year-old England international has failed to start just one, the final game of the 2024-25 campaign, four days after the Europa League final defeat by Tottenham - and he went on the post-season tour of Asia immediately afterwards.
Before that, Shaw's injury record had not been great.
Between February 2024 and April 2025, he played as many games for England (three) as he did for his club. He missed three months at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
There were calf and hamstring issues but also a feeling Erik ten Hag rushed him back too quickly.
More than anyone, Shaw benefited from a 40-game season, allowing him to prepare properly, largely for one game a week, sometimes not even that.
That preparation time will not be repeated.
Although there are blank midweeks between Manchester United's first three games, if they get through two Carabao Cup rounds, they will not have a full midweek without a game, other than during international breaks, until the one that includes Christmas Day.
It is the combination of Shaw's injury record and the crush of games that has led to the feeling another left-back will arrive.
Hull keen on Man Utd's Collyerpublished at 16:28 BST 26 August
16:28 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
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Hull City are emerging as the favourites to sign Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer.
The 22-year-old is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford despite being part of Michael Carrick's squad in pre-season, latterly to replace Mason Mount after his injury against Paris St-Germain in Stockholm on 8 August.
West Bromwich Albion boss James Morrison is keen to take Collyer back to The Hawthorns, where a loan move in the first half of last season was badly hampered by injury.
It did appear the Baggies were in pole position to complete a deal.
However, Hull have also been considering whether to try to bring Collyer back to the club where he spent the second half of the 2025-26 campaign, which was also disrupted by injury.
No decision has been made yet but it is looking increasingly like the lure of the Premier League will end up being the decisive factor, with Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic keen to add to his squad before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Man Utd duo Overy and Jackson set to leavepublished at 14:06 BST 26 August
14:06 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
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Manchester United youngsters James Overy and Louis Jackson are on the brink of leaving the club.
Overy is close to returning to Australia with A League outfit Sydney FC, while Jackson is in talks with Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.
Eighteen-year-old Overy was born in Perth, played for Australia at last season's Under-20 World Cup and received his first senior international call-up in November.
He joined United in 2024 and featured at Under-21 level last term. He was also part of the FA Youth Cup final squad beaten by Manchester City in May.
However, Overy was a notable absentee when United opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 5-0 victory against Ipswich at Leigh on 24 August.
Jackson will have a medical with St Mirren on Thursday before completing his move.
The 20-year-old Oldham-born defender is a Scottish youth international and was part of United's 2022 FA Youth Cup-winning side.
He spent part of last season on loan with National League side Solihull Moors.
It is understood both deals will include sell-on and buy-back clauses.
What can Baleba offer Man Utd?published at 11:14 BST 26 August
11:14 BST 26 August
Mohamed Moallim BBC Sport Journalist
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Carlos Baleba's appeal lies less in creativity and more in his ability to win possession, cover ground and then carry his team forward.
His 2025-26 campaign was quieter than the previous one, but his 2024-25 numbers show why Manchester United have tracked him for so long. He ranked fourth among Premier League midfielders for possessions won in the middle third (107) and interceptions (46), was fifth for ball recoveries (197) and seventh for duels won (199).
That defensive output was matched by his ability to progress possession himself.
Baleba averaged 6.7 progressive carries per 90 minutes, with only three qualifying Premier League defensive midfielders recording more, while 2.9 of those carries travelled at least 10 metres.
His athleticism underpins that game as he reached a top speed of 34.5km/h in 2024-25, compared with 30.5km/h for Casemiro, and averaged 8.2 defensive actions per 90.
He is not necessarily the midfielder United would rely on to dictate possession. Only 11.8% of his passes were classed as line-breaking that season and 22.7% travelled forward - both below the average for central and defensive midfielders.
But that may make him complementary to United's other options rather than a direct alternative. Youri Tielemans can provide more of the progressive distribution, while Baleba offers defensive security and the ability to drive through midfield.
Alongside Kobbie Mainoo, he could take on more of the ball-winning and ground-covering work, while a partnership with Andrey Santos could allow Baleba greater freedom to operate box to box.
That versatility is reflected in his positioning as he spent 88% of his minutes last season as a defensive midfielder and 12% in central midfield, suggesting he can anchor the side or step forward depending on who plays alongside him.
United most commonly defended in a 4-2-2-2 last season under Michael Carrick, accounting for 55.9% of their out-of-possession shapes. Baleba's dynamism could be especially valuable in a system where central midfielders are asked to defend large spaces and stop counter-attacks.
There may, however, be an adaptation period.
Baleba is recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered in pre-season and will need time to recover his match sharpness.
United have also looked to spend longer spells in possession under Carrick, progressing through midfield with quick combinations. Baleba's game is better suited to more open contests, but his passing profile suggests he may need time to adjust to greater responsibility in build-up.
His left foot and mobility should still make him a natural partner for players such as Tielemans or Bruno Fernandes. There is development ahead of him at 22, not least after last season's dip, but at his best Baleba combines defensive activity with the acceleration and carrying power to transform a turnover into an attack within seconds.
Not certain Man Utd will sign a left-backpublished at 11:06 BST 26 August
11:06 BST 26 August
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Readers have been sending their questions in to BBC Sport's football transfers live page.
Rob asked: Which left-back do you think Manchester United will go for before the end of the window?
I don't think it is certain they will sign a left-back, Rob.
Manchester United do like Lewis Hall but Newcastle are not interested in selling and it feels as though that is one that could be revisited next summer.
United have been linked with a few alternatives but the key question is how much will it cost? Is there potential for a loan? Could someone in the senior squad leave to generate some finance?
Obviously Luke Shaw is first choice but United feel they have alternatives in Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, who have also played on the left, while new arrival Carlos Baleba is left-footed and has played at left-back before for Brighton, even though he was bought at a midfielder.
Time for Man Utd to move for a left-back?published at 09:15 BST 26 August
09:15 BST 26 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
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The signing of Carlos Baleba completes a £155m summer revamp of Manchester United's midfield.
At the end of last season, midfield was targeted as a priority area as United looked to build on qualification for the Champions League after a two-year absence.
So, now the midfield is sorted, it is natural for fans to look at the other areas of Michael Carrick's squad that could do with reinforcements; namely left-back.
There is no doubt the club like Newcastle's Lewis Hall. At 21, he is the right age profile and ideally suited to challenging Luke Shaw for his place, with the safety net of there being enough games to keep both men happy.
However, Newcastle don't want to sell. It would take a huge offer to persuade them otherwise and Manchester United's powerbrokers have proved on numerous occasions this summer they will not be held to ransom, or overpay, for players.
In addition, how much money do they have to spend?
In published third-quarter financial accounts to 31 March, United confirmed they owed £405.75m in outstanding transfer fees, £171.14m of which was due after more than one year. The club are still to outline what the additional $125m (£91.64m) they borrowed in a wider refinancing announced in June will be used for.
The assumption is £70m for Baleba, equal the sum United paid for Casemiro in 2022 and a figure only exceeded in their history in terms of midfielders by the club record £89m spent on Paul Pogba, is at the top end of what they wanted to pay.
Plenty of alternative left-backs to Hall have been mentioned.
Racing Santander's 19-year-old Jorge Salinas has a €16m (£13.7m) release clause, but is also coveted by Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde was left out of the 5-0 La Liga victory over Elche by coach Hansi Flick, to allow him to "clear his mind" amid intense transfer speculation, with United among those to be linked with the 22-year-old Spain international. Barcelona are said to value him between €30m (£25.66m) and €40m (£34.22m).
With a week to go before the transfer window closes, the situation is thought to be fluid, but caution in United circles around the expectations of a new left-back being signed is being stressed.
Fernandes 'proud' and 'grateful' for PFA awardpublished at 08:13 BST 26 August
08:13 BST 26 August
Media caption,
Bruno Fernandes said he was "very proud" to be awarded to win the men's 2026 PFA Player of the Year award.
The Portugal international said: "Obviously, it means a lot. Voted by the players, the ones I step on the pitch to play against every weekend.
"A different meaning to the other ones that I have got. I am very proud of this one, and it is a very grateful moment for me."
Fernandes became the 12th Manchester United player to win the personal accolade.
He said: "I am a passionate guy about this sport. This was everything I have ever done. I know how to do it. Not perfectly, but I know how to do it.
"Throughout all my life I have been around with a ball. My dream was not to become a professional footballer, but it was to play football for life and, doing this, having opportunities to represent so many clubs, my national team to be included with the best in these type of awards is something I would never have imagined."
The 31-year-old began his professional career in Italy before returning to his homeland, Portugal to play for Sporting Lisbon in 2017.
"It is something which makes me look back and seeing that kid with a lot of dreams, and it makes me very, very proud," said Fernandes.
"Winning as a team and winning as a national team - that's the dream that we are always there to complete and to make the most of it."
Fernandes wins prestigious PFA awardpublished at 07:58 BST 26 August
07:58 BST 26 August
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was named the Professional Footballers' Associations Men's Player of the Year at the PFA awards.
Fernandes, who last season broke the record for the most assists in a single Premier League campaign with 21, is the first United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
Although it was another trophy-less campaign for Manchester United, Fernandes enjoyed individual success, surpassing Kevin de Bruyne and Thierry Henry's record of 20 assists in a Premier League campaign.
Fernandes set up his side's opener on the final day of the season against Brighton – and scored their third – to finish 2025-26 with nine goals and 21 assists in 35 league outings. Man City's Rayan Cherki was the second-most prolific provider, with 12 assists.
His haul helped United finish third and secure Champions League football.
In total, the 31-year-old scored nine goals and contributed 22 assists in 37 matches in all competitions.
Fernandes, who joined the club from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, beat Arsenal trio Gabriel Magalhaes, David Raya, and Declan Rice and Man City attackers Cherki and Erling Haaland to the award.
He is only the second Portuguese to be named player of the year, following back-to-back wins for former United winger Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007 and 2008.
Gossip: Man Utd consider Stuttgart defender Jeltschpublished at 07:54 BST 26 August
07:54 BST 26 August
Manchester United are considering making contact with Stuttgart over a potential move for 20-year-old German defender Finn Jeltsch. (CaughtOffside), external
When is the EFL Cup third-round draw?published at 07:00 BST 26 August
07:00 BST 26 August
Jonty Colman BBC Sport journalist
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The third-round draw for the 2026-27 Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday, 26 August following the conclusion of Preston North End vs Everton.
Nine Premier League clubs taking part in European football join the 23 first-round winners from across the English Football League.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Brighton and Crystal Palace will enter the competition at this stage, as the top eight Premier League clubs from the 2025-26 season plus Crystal Palace as Conference League winners.
It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of the third round tie between Preston North End and Everton, kicking off at 20:00 BST.
Unlike the opening two rounds of the competition, the third round draw is not regionalised.
However, before the match at Deepdale there will be a pre-draw determining which of the Champions League and Europa League clubs will play at home or away in round three.
In order to avoid potential scheduling issues, the eight Champions League and Europa League clubs cannot be drawn against each other in round three.
When the draw takes place, the first eight fixtures decided are the ones involving clubs in the Champions League and Europa League. The remainder of the draw will be an open draw as usual.
Due to clashes with opening weeks of the Champions League and Europa League seasons, the third round will be played across two different weeks. They are the weeks commencing Monday, 7 and Monday, 14 September, 2026.
'Baleba adds physicality and power'published at 17:28 BST 25 August
17:28 BST 25 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
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Manchester United will hope for the 2024-25 version of Carlos Baleba rather than last season's because it was his performances in that campaign that attracted them.
We can't know what would have happened if the approach for Mateus Fernandes had been successful, nor if Mason Mount had not suffered the injury in the pre-season game with Paris St-Germain two weeks ago that ruled him out of the Premier League opener.
However, even before Saturday's disappointing loss at Hull City it is clear that, despite adding Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to their midfield ranks, they still lack physicality and power.
In theory, Baleba should solve that issue.
The 22-year-old is strong in possession, covers ground quickly, is good in the air and alert to danger.
Crucially, he also has three years' worth of top-flight experience in England behind him, having moved to Brighton from Lille when he was 19. It gives him the edge on Santos, also 22, and it will be interesting to see whether the pair compete for the same place at the base of Michael Carrick's midfield or if, against the best sides, they might play together.
It will also be fascinating to see if he gets asked to fill in at left-back too.
He has played there before and, unlike Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui - who could also switch sides if Luke Shaw is unavailable - is left-footed.
Paul Pogba is the only midfield player United have signed for more than the £70m they are committing to Baleba which, given his age, is a statement in itself.
'An incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams' - Balebapublished at 17:07 BST 25 August
17:07 BST 25 August
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Carlos Baleba says "it is an incredible feeling" to sign for his dream club in Manchester United.
The 22-year-old midfielder has joined from Brighton on a contract until June 2031, with the option to extend for a further year.
"It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams," said Baleba. "Playing at Old Trafford is always special, but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.
"I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.
"The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together."
Director of Football, Jason Wilcox added: "Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.
"We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.
"Carlos' determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions."
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