Manchester United are preparing for the chaotic festive schedule, but one of their chiefs has raised one issue to officials at the Premier League
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has expressed concerns to the Premier League about the number of midweek, evening kick-offs the club have between now and Christmas. United welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
Once their clash with Fabian Hurzeler’s team concludes, United won’t enjoy another weekend home fixture until Boxing Day – a Friday – when they’ll entertain Newcastle United. Every single match the Red Devils are due to play at Old Trafford in the lead-up to Christmas falls on a midweek slot, which come with evening kick-off times.
Reports suggest Berrada has contacted the Premier League about how the fixture list has fallen. The ex-Manchester City chief is believed to have referenced the added expense match-going fans have for games in the evening.
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The Athletic understands Berrada’s discussions with Premier League officials were “constructive” with the United chief executive emphasising “the cultural importance of match-going fans to the fabric of the English game.”
It’s also understood he urged the Premier League to finalise their broadcasting decisions much earlier, allowing supporters to organise their Christmas plans around kick-off schedules. Berrada’s talks with Premier League representatives clearly show the club is paying attention to United supporters’ worries.
Fan groups have recently voiced their anger over this season’s fixture arrangements. They believe match-going supporters have been forced to cope with a problematic sequence of fixtures, particularly regarding the amount of home games set for midweek.
The United Fans’ Forum expressed their sentiments in a letter to the club, which responded with a letter of its own. The Reds are among several Premier League clubs who backed an increase in Monday and Friday night matches, a part of the new broadcast deal.
This was also suggested as a solution to the expanded European schedule, featuring a record number of clubs competing across the Champions League, the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League. United didn’t qualify for any of the continental competitions this season.
However, they experienced the full impact of the extended schedule last season, playing 15 matches in the Europa League, culminating in a 1-0 loss in the final to Tottenham Hotspur. Amorim is aiming for a hat-trick of Premier League victories when his team welcomes Brighton.
United’s 2-1 away win over Liverpool meant the Portuguese manager finally achieved consecutive Premier League victories. The triumph over the reigning Premier League champions and the 2-0 home victory against Sunderland has also propelled United into ninth place.
They’re one point ahead of tomorrow’s opponents Brighton, who have notable wins over City and Chelsea this season. Amorim hinted Harry Maguire and Mason Mount may both be doubtful for the upcoming match against the Seasiders.
The United manager said: “We have some doubts, we had some issues in the week with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. Knocks, nothing serious and we will see tomorrow.
“Licha is out. He trained really well. He was on the next pitch and I was watching. He’s training really well, the knee is looking well but I don’t want to say a specific week [for his return] and then it depends on Licha, whether he wins the spot.”
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