Manchester City was found guilty of breaking 114 Premier League financial rules, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak asserting on 2026-09-26 that the club remains confident of proving its innocence. The verdict prompted responses from club leadership about the club's future and broader consequences.
The Football Association ordered an FA Cup qualifying match to be replayed after a referee error on September 25, 2026. A team in the ninth tier of English football lodged a complaint over the mistake in a match affecting Manchester United.
Manchester City was found guilty on September 25 of 114 out of 115 breaches of Premier League financial rules following a three-year investigation. Club chairman struck a defiant tone after the verdict, while the decision raises questions about potential retrospective titles for other clubs and implications for the Premier League era.
By 28 September, Manchester City was found guilty on all but one of the 115 financial rule-breach charges leveled by the Premier League in February 2023. The club, currently top of the league after five matches in the 2026 season, faces potential expulsion and has vowed to fight the ruling in what could extend for months.
Arsenal suffered a defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on September 19-20, 2026, ending the team's perfect start to the season. Tottenham's difficulties in the season have also deepened.
On September 20, 2026, Manchester City won an eight-goal thriller against Sunderland 5-3 to move three points clear atop the Premier League. Arsenal lost 3-0 at Brighton the previous day, surrendering top spot on goal difference.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel announced on September 18, 2026, the squad for the UEFA Nations League campaign, recalling Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold after their World Cup omission while maintaining Phil Foden's exclusion. The selection marked ten changes from the World Cup squad.
Arsenal, defending Premier League champions, remained unbeaten with seven consecutive wins as of 19 September 2026, facing Brighton in Gameweek 5. Brighton vs Arsenal was scheduled with full team lineups and predictions published.
Manchester United lost 3–2 to Brighton at Old Trafford on 2026-09-16, squandering a two-goal lead to exit the English League Cup. The collapse continued manager Michael Carrick's difficult start.
The Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref acknowledged on 13 September 2026 that Erling Haaland's winning goal for Manchester City against Manchester United should not have been awarded by VAR. The error was formally admitted by the refereeing oversight body.
On 13 September 2026, Manchester City defeated Manchester United 1–0 in the Manchester derby despite playing with ten men after Phil Foden's red card for lashing out at Bruno Fernandes; Erling Haaland's disputed goal proved decisive. The result was marked by refereeing controversy.
Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League on September 10 with a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijani debutants Sabah, with goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko, and Lisandro Martinez. The win was described as a comfortable and commanding performance.
Erling Haaland scored both goals in Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Porto on September 8, 2026, marking an impressive European campaign opener. The Norwegian striker climbed to eighth place on the UEFA Champions League all-time scoring list.
Everton forced a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on September 6, 2026, with an added-time goal by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in a dramatic Premier League match. The stoppage-time equalizer denied United victory in the thrilling encounter.
Small-town club SV Elversberg continued its remarkable debut season in the Bundesliga with another upset victory on September 5, 2026, while Manchester City maintained its unbeaten record in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland's goal on 5 September 2026 secured Manchester City's third consecutive Premier League win, a 1–0 victory over Coventry City that moved them to the top of the standings.
Erling Haaland scored on 5 September 2026 as Manchester City defeated Coventry City 1–0 in the Premier League, extending their unbeaten start to the season and moving to the top of the table with their third consecutive win.
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Manchester United defeated promoted Ipswich Town 5-2 in a Premier League comeback victory at Old Trafford on 30 August 2026. Chelsea's Palmer also starred in his match.
On August 28, Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace 4-1 in the Premier League, staying unbeaten to start the season. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki each scored twice in the dominant performance.
Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba, age 22, transferred from Brighton to Manchester United in late August 2026 for approximately 75–80 million euros. The deal was reported by France24 on 26 August.
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland cut off his ponytail ahead of the Premier League opener on August 25, 2026, joking about the new look. The style change was noted across multiple sports outlets.
Erling Haaland, star striker for Manchester City, cut off his trademark long hair on August 23, 2026, ahead of the new football season. The distinctive style change marked a visual shift for the prolific goal scorer.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City's striker, revealed a new buzz cut hairstyle on social media on August 23, 2026, as part of his preparation for the new season.
Hull City defeated Manchester United 2-0 on August 22, 2026, in a triumphant return to England's Premier League after a nine-year absence. Goals from Semi Ajayi and record signing Nobel Mendy marked a celebrated homecoming for the club.
Manchester United agreed a transfer deal for Brighton midfielder Baleba on 21 August 2026. The deal was reported by multiple sources covering the English Premier League transfer market.