Man Utd fixtures: United’s next match & who Erik ten Hag’s side play in December

Manchester United are set to return to England following their double header of friendlies in Spain against Cadiz and Real Betis, with the Red Devils losing both encounters.

While there have been reports that United may look to arrange another warm-up match in the coming week, the focus is now very much on getting ready for United’s next competitive game on 21 December.

Erik ten Hag’s side face Burnley in the Carabao Cup, meaning a return to Old Trafford for ex-Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany. With so many United stars having played at the World Cup, it’s likely that United’s first XI after the competition in Qatar will be made up of a mixture of young talents and regular first-teamers.

But supporters have to wait until 27 December for the club’s next Premier League encounter. United host Nottingham Forest for the first time since 1999, a game the Red Devils famously won 8-1 thanks to four goals from substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The clash later this month will also see a reunion with Jesse Lingard, who left his boyhood club in the summer.

After that, it’s Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux to see out what has been a turbulent 2022 for United. That will be the first home league game of Julen Lopetegui’s reign in the Midlands.

United begin 2023 with three confirmed home matches, the first coming against Bournemouth, who appointed Gary O’Neil as permanent manager over the break. Then it’s Everton in the FA Cup third round, before the second Manchester derby of the season.

Pep Guardiola brings his side to Old Trafford for a 12:30pm kick-off on Saturday 14 January. The Blues have won the last three meetings between the clubs, but United will hope to extend their excellent home record against the league’s elite sides this season, having already beaten Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in 2022/23.

Man Utd December 2022/January 2023 fixtures

Wed 21 Dec: Burnley (H) - EFL Cup

Tue 27 Dec: Nottingham Forest (H) - Premier League

Sat 31 Dec: Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) - Premier League

Tue 3 Jan: Bournemouth (H) - Premier League

Fri 6 Jan: Everton (H) - FA Cup

Sat 14 Jan: Manchester City (H) - Premier League

Sun 22 Jan: Arsenal (A) - Premier League

Depending on success in cup competitions, United could reach the FA Cup fourth round and Carabao Cup quarter-final and semi-finals in January.