Sports Interactive has confirmed Football Manager 26 will be released on Nov. 4. The announcement follows several recent teases of the new Unity Engine and arrives alongside a short trailer that highlights the updated interface.

The studio noted that previous instalments have typically offered a beta build around two weeks before the full release, although no beta date has been provided. Players who pre-order through a SEGA-approved digital retailer can expect early access in mid-to-late October.

Studio Director Miles Jacobson said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be revealing Football Manager 26’s release date today.

“Setting Sports Interactive up for the next 20 years and beyond was an enormous undertaking but I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts of the whole team over the past two years.

“FM26 represents a landmark release in our quest to produce football management perfection and the whole studio is really excited to share it with the world.”

The new trailer places emphasis on an all-new user interface designed to give players greater control over key managerial decisions. The update also introduces FMPedia, a built-in guide intended to help new players understand systems and to provide returning players with more structured guidance.

One of the most significant additions to FM26 is the inclusion of women’s football for the first time in series history. Sports Interactive says a number of fully licensed competitions will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The studio’s messaging combines a technical refresh with new accessibility features and a long-awaited expansion of playable competitions, setting clear expectations for the lead-up to the November release.

The manager’s clear tactical blueprint shaped United’s transfer business in the summer, with signings aimed at fitting a predictable system and, crucially, improving an attack that struggled last season. United finished 15th in the Premier League and were bereft of a Europa League trophy to compensate.

Goalkeeping was a priority after uncertainty over existing options. Amorim has shown little faith in André Onana, while Altay Bayındır’s flaws have been too obvious for him to emerge as a long-term No. 1. United signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for a modest fee and the early indicators suggest he could assume the starting role straight away.

At the back, Leny Yoro stands out as the most gifted defender in the squad. He suffered an early injury setback but has since looked the part: an imposing operator with timing and recovery traits that point to a long-term role. Harry Maguire can still do a job in the manager’s back three, but Amorim has preferred De Ligt to start the season. The Dutchman is a physical operator who excels at man-marking robust attackers, though he struggles against nimble opponents and when defending wide areas.

Any defence looks stronger with a fully fit Lisandro Martínez. His height remains a talking point and his 2025 has been blighted by injury, but Martínez brings control in possession and the ability to set the tone with committed challenges.

On the flanks, Amad looks destined for a wing-back role. He was one of the brighter sparks in a difficult 2024–25 campaign and offers dynamism and a bit of magic down the right. The relationship between Amad and the summer arrival Bryan Mbeumo could prove pivotal; Mbeumo arrives after his best campaign to date and has been efficient in front of goal.

In midfield, Mainoo is the academy graduate with the highest ceiling and must be integrated effectively. He nearly left on loan in the summer but remains a piece Amorim should prioritise. Casemiro has shown signs of revival under Amorim, who has asked the veteran to cover less ground without the ball. United did not sufficiently strengthen their engine room in the window and alternatives remain limited.

Up front, Cunha was the first major signing and Amorim has begun to use a false nine. Benjamin Šeško would be an ideal option but will need time to adapt. For now United possess a front three built for combination play but one that lacks a dominant aerial presence in the box.

Michael Owen set off a public debate after a social media outburst in which he offered a detailed statistical comparison of himself and Wayne Rooney from the early stages of their careers. According to the original exchange, Owen listed his achievements and rejected suggestions that Rooney was the superior youngster, framing the discussion in numbers and milestones.

Rooney chose a measured response, addressing the issue on The Wayne Rooney Show and refusing to escalate the exchange. He said: “Michael and I are very different players,” he said on The Wayne Rooney Show . “I used to go out on the street and pretend to be Michael Owen—even though he played for Liverpool.

“I think his comments are fair. Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’d back myself. But, I’d never judge myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I actually looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside.”

The episode underlines two truths about the pair that featured heavily in the original discussion. Owen emerged as a spectacular young goalscorer, making an immediate impact and collecting high-profile recognition early in his career. He was the second-youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever in 2001, a fact often cited when comparing the two forwards at similar ages.

Rooney’s reply steered away from recrimination and towards perspective. The piece at hand notes that while Owen was certainly the more gifted finisher in his breakthrough years, Rooney’s career is distinguished by longevity and technical quality. That combination is presented as the basis for judging Rooney’s overall standing in football rather than focusing solely on early statistical advantage.

The exchange is notable for its frankness and for Rooney’s diplomatic tone in reply. It leaves the comparison framed both by Owen’s early brilliance and by Rooney’s sustained contribution over the course of his career.