Momentum vs Reality: Manchester United’s February schedule could shape top-four race

Manchester United have undergone a renaissance since Michael Carrick’s return to the helm in mid-January to replace sacked manager Ruben Amorim until the end of the season.

Carrick could not have hoped for a more challenging start to his second managerial journey at Old Trafford as his side faced Manchester City on his touchline debut.

However, the Red Devils put on arguably their best performance in two years, beating Pep Guardiola’s side 2-0, only a week before taking another huge scalp.

Despite conceding the opening goal, United stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence last weekend, halting a four-game losing away league run against Arsenal with a nerve-wracking 3-2 victory.

Back-to-back victories against the Premier League leading duo have restored confidence at the Theatre of Dreams and, more importantly, fired the 20-time English champions to fourth in the standings.

There’s no room for complacency, as Carrick’s men sit only two points clear of sixth-placed Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s must-win home clash against surprise package Fulham.

Without further ado, let’s look at Man Utd’s February schedule.

Fulham (H) – 01/02/2026

Brimming with confidence after two remarkable wins, Man Utd head into their opening February fixture as 3/5 favourites to knock in-form Fulham off their perch.

Marco Silva’s men have suffered just one defeat in their last eight matches across all competitions, most recently grabbing a last-gasp 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Fulham’s impressive run of form is unlikely to intimidate the Red Devils, who have gone unbeaten in 19 of their last 20 Premier League meetings, including a 1-1 draw in August’s reverse fixture.

Meanwhile, as revealed by Carrick in a press conference via The Sun, United could make a late January signing to strengthen their push for a top-four finish.

Tottenham Hotspur (H) – 07/02/2026

A much sterner test awaits Man Utd in their second home outing next month, as they take on mid-table Tottenham Hotspur, seeking revenge for last season’s UEFA Europa League final.

Spurs have recently emerged as a bogey team for the Red Devils.

Thomas Frank’s men have avoided defeat in their last eight competitive encounters against the Old Trafford outfit, including a dramatic 2-2 league draw in November.

It’s uncertain whether high-flying Patrick Dorgu will be available for this revenge-poised showdown after Carrick confirmed the Danish winger is facing a spell on the sidelines.

With or without Dorgu, United cannot afford a slip-up here if they’re to consolidate their top-four credentials.

West Ham United (A) – 10/02/2026

After a dreadful start to the season, West Ham United seem to have finally found their footing, but they’re still stranded in the bottom three, five points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Consecutive victories over Tottenham and Sunderland have thrown under-fire manager Nuno Espirito Santo a lifeline, yet the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss is not out of the woods by any means.

With that in mind, this game could prove to be a potential banana skin for Man Utd, while it’s also worth noting that they’ve not enjoyed their recent visits to the London Stadium.

Since a 2-1 triumph in September 2021, they’ve lost three away league clashes against the Irons on the trot, scoring just one goal during that frustrating sequence.

Everton (A) – 23/02/2026

Without the distraction of other competitions, United will have 13 days to rest and prepare for their maiden trip to Everton’s brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

David Moyes’ charges have stuttered at the beginning of the new calendar year, picking up just one win in five competitive matches, courtesy of a narrow 1-0 win at title-bidding Aston Villa.

On that basis, the Red Devils would be well-advised not to take the Toffees lightly despite their three-game unbeaten away streak against the Merseyside outfit.

Adding to this sentiment, Everton eked out a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in November and will be looking to complete their first league double over Man Utd since the 2013/14 season.

Man Utd February 2026 Fixtures:

• Fulham (H) – 01/02/2026
• Tottenham Hotspur (H) – 07/02/2026
• West Ham United (A) – 10/02/2026
• Everton (A) – 23/02/2026

Article written by markovrakela .