Manchester United's Champions League draw has put Michael Carrick's side straight into a tough early examination. Bayern München are back at Old Trafford, AS Roma and Sporting CP are among the visitors, and Atletico Madrid are waiting away from home, with the target set at a top 24 finish and at least the play-off round.
United's recent European history makes that a fair test. They won just one match in their 2023-24 campaign, finished bottom of a group containing FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray and Bayern München, and a 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to Bayern sealed their fate. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the club reporter summed it up this way: "For Carrick and his new look United it is a step into the unknown that they hope will result in a huge leap forward."
The draws that make up the schedule
The home games are not soft touches. Bayern finished 2nd in the 2025 UEFA Champions League phase table, Roma were 3rd in Serie A in 2025, and Leipzig are also due to visit Manchester. The away trips look just as awkward, with Atletico, Sporting CP, Villarreal and Como all on the list.
Carrick's league record gives United a base to work from, but not much comfort beyond that. Manchester United finished 3rd in the Premier League in 2025, and their recent form reads won three, drawn one and lost one. The 2-0 defeat at Hull City is still the warning sign in that run, because the odd flat performance has not disappeared.
What the squad build has to prove
The summer business has made the midfield look stronger on paper. The club reporter said the recruitment has focused on Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba at a cost of more than £150million, and Santos has already posted a 7.2 rating in one Premier League appearance this season.
That is still only part of the story. Benjamin Sesko's absence in the opening day defeat to Hull City raised questions about United's attacking focal point, and the draw will ask the same thing in a different way: whether Carrick has enough depth to keep the Champions League moving while the league campaign keeps going.
United do not need a miracle from the draw, just a cleaner response than last time in Europe. Bayern come to Old Trafford, Atletico await away, and the target remains clear, finish in the top 24 and reach the play-off round.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
