When do Man Utd play next? Friendly, Carabao Cup and Premier League fixtures amid World Cup break

Manchester United’s season is now on pause as the World Cup break takes hold. The Red Devils secured a dramatic late win over Fulham on Sunday thanks to Alejandro Garnacho, taking them to within three points of the top four with a game in hand. But Erik ten Hag’s men will have to wait to see if they can move into the Champions League spots, with the World Cup now taking centre stage for more than a month.

United will continue to train over the coming weeks with the players they have, and they even have a couple of friendlies lined up next month, while the internationals will be busy representing their countries in Qatar. Here we take a look at when United return to action.

When do Man Utd play next?

United are back in friendly action early in December as they look to get back into rhythm ahead of the return of Premier League action. Those not involved in the World Cup and those who are elimated at the group stage will head to Spain for two games in three days.

United are set to face Cadiz on 7 December before taking on Real Betis on December 20.

Next Carabao Cup game

United’s first competitive game back after the World Cup will be against Championship high-flyers Burnley on 20 December. Most players should be involved in the Old Trafford clash.

The only exceptions will be those who reach the final stage in Qatar, though the club is also likely to give any players who exit at the semi-finals stage extra rest upon their return. Those whose nations exit at the quarter final stage will have 10 days between their quarter-final clash and this cup game, so they should be involved in some way.

When do Man Utd next play in Premier League?

United’s next Premier League clash will come after Christmas, on 27 December. Erik ten Hag’s men face Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in an 8pm kick-off.

Like United, Forest went into the break on the back of a win, and with fewer internationals, Steve Cooper’s men should have time to work to improve as a group over the course of the World Cup break. That could make this one a tricky game for the Red Devils.

Man Utd’s fixtures when they return

Here’s a full run-down of United’s competitive games from their return to the end of January.

Burnley (H) - Carabao Cup - 20 December

Nottingham Forest (H) - Premier League - 27 December

Wolves (A) - Premier League - 31 December

AFC Bournemouth (H) - Premier League - 3 January

Opponent TBC - FA Cup - Weekend of 7 January*

Man City (H) - Premier League - 14 January

Arsenal (A) - Premier League - 21 January

*FA Cup Third Round draw yet to be made. Ties will be played across January 7, 8 and 9.

What has Ten Hag said about the break?

After United defeated Fulham on Sunday, Ten Hag said of the World Cup break: “No [I’m not worried] because the players are fit, that’s why they get selected. They’re good, you can also look at it that way. That’s often how it goes, that they come back with a lot of energy. Because they get a change of scenery and play style with other players who they have a good click with.

“Secondly, when they come back, they have something to look forward to. That brings so much energy to the team.”