Manchester United host Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on the second weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season, with manager Michael Carrick's side under immediate pressure after a shock opening-day defeat.

United looking to recover from Hull City humbling

The Red Devils suffered a 2-0 loss at promoted Hull City last Saturday — a result that raised instant questions about Carrick's tenure before a single home game had been played. Failing to beat another promoted side at Old Trafford would only intensify the scrutiny.

Carrick may, however, have reinforcements to call upon. Midfielder Carlos Baleba could make his debut following the completion of his £70 million transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion, while fellow summer arrivals Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are also expected to make their first Old Trafford appearances in United colours.

Ipswich arrive full of confidence

Ipswich Town, managed by Gary O'Neil, could hardly have asked for a better start to life back in the top flight. Jack Clarke's late strike secured a 2-1 victory over Sunderland on the opening weekend — O'Neil's first Premier League match in charge — before the Tractor Boys followed that up with a 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City in midweek.

The club have also been active in the transfer market, with the arrival of Exequiel Palacios from Bayer Leverkusen pushing their summer expenditure close to the £200 million mark — surpassing Sunderland's record for the highest outlay ever by a newly-promoted club.

Ipswich are clearly intent on avoiding a repeat of their previous Premier League campaign in 2024/25, when they finished 16 points below the relegation zone and were relegated after a single season. They travel to Manchester with momentum and belief.

Match details and how to watch

Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 4:30pm BST. Viewers in the UK can watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. In the US, the game is on USA Network — available via YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling Blue, several of which offer free trials for new subscribers. Australian fans can stream the match on Stan Sport, with kick-off at 1:30am AEST on Monday.

FourFourTwo predicts a narrow 1-0 home win for Manchester United, though Ipswich are unlikely to make it easy.