Manchester United's strong home record in 2026 is under threat as the club faces a growing rift with its supporters ahead of the Manchester derby against Manchester City.
Divisions and Discontent
Manchester United's nine victories from 10 Premier League games at Old Trafford in 2026 cast their stadium as a fortress, but divisions have opened up at the club between supporters and the club. The Guardian Football reports that United said on Friday that 685 accounts had been subject to a ban and 464 supporters had received a reduced sanction or final warning. The 1958 fan group has called for a "peaceful protest" before kick-off, starting at a pub near the stadium, against what it believes is disproportionate action in the club's drive to eradicate ticket touting.
The Manchester derby will be a febrile affair, with Manchester City aiming to end their perfect start of four victories in all competitions. United will attempt to end City's perfect start, improve a disappointing return of four points from three league games, and repeat the opening result of Carrick's second interim tenure, achieved in January four days after his appointment: a 2-0 downing of Pep Guardiola's visitors in which Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu were on target. A 2-1 defeat by Leeds on 13 April is the sole blemish on United's league record at Old Trafford since. The match will be a defining battle between United's midfield lieutenant, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manchester City's Elliot Anderson, who has settled quickly at the club after his £116m transfer from Nottingham Forest.