Manchester United’s pursuit of a Champions League spot faced a setback as they drew 2-2 against Burnley. The match occurred on January 7, 2026, marking United’s first game under interim manager Darren Fletcher since Ruben Amorim’s departure.
During the match at Turf Moor, United fell behind early due to an own goal by Ayden Heaven. Despite a strong performance from Benjamin Sesko, who scored both of United’s goals, they couldn’t secure a win. Sesko’s first goal came from a Bruno Fernandes assist, and he followed with a second goal showcasing his finishing skills. However, Jaidon Anthony’s impressive strike from distance equalized for Burnley, leaving the match at a stalemate.
United will need to bounce back quickly, as their upcoming fixtures will be crucial in their bid for Champions League qualification. Here’s how Manchester United’s upcoming schedule compares to that of key rivals Liverpool and Chelsea:
Manchester United’s Upcoming Fixtures
- Brighton (H) – January 11, 2026, at 4:30 PM (FA Cup)
- Manchester City (H) – January 17, 2026, at 12:30 PM
- Arsenal (A) – January 25, 2026, at 4:30 PM
- Fulham (H) – February 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Rival Teams’ Fixtures
Arsenal’s Upcoming Matches
- Liverpool (H) – January 8, 2026, at 8:00 PM
- Portsmouth (A) – January 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM (FA Cup)
- Chelsea (A) – January 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM (Carabao Cup semi-final)
- Nottingham Forest (A) – January 17, 2026
- Inter Milan (A) – January 20, 2026 (Champions League)
Liverpool’s Upcoming Matches
- Arsenal (A) – January 8, 2026, at 8:00 PM
- Barnsley (H) – January 12, 2026, at 7:45 PM (FA Cup)
- Burnley (H) – January 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM
- Marseille (A) – January 21, 2026, at 8:00 PM (Champions League)
- Bournemouth (A) – January 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Chelsea’s Upcoming Matches
- Charlton (A) – January 10, 2026, at 8:00 PM (FA Cup)
- Arsenal (H) – January 14, 2026, at 8:00 PM (Carabao Cup semi-final)
- Brentford (H) – January 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM
- Pafos FC (H) – January 21, 2026, at 8:00 PM
- Crystal Palace (A) – January 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Manchester United currently sits sixth in the league with 32 points, trailing closely behind Liverpool and Chelsea. As they prepare for these significant fixtures, securing wins will be vital for their Champions League aspirations. The challenge ahead is formidable, but the talent within the squad remains a beacon of hope for United fans.
