Manchester United have raised concerns with the Premier League over their fixture schedule after two more of their matches before Christmas were moved to the Monday night slot.
Daily Mail Sport understands the club have contacted the Premier League over the issue, with United chief executive Omar Berrada speaking to his counterpart Richard Masters. Talks were said to have been constructive, according to The Athletic, who first reported the news.
United’s home game against Bournemouth and the trip to Wolves were shifted to a Monday evening kick-off in the latest round of broadcast picks. The visit of West Ham had already been placed in one of the Premier League’s dedicated midweek rounds.
The Premier League had already switched the home clash with Everton next month to a Monday, meaning Ruben Amorim’s men have just one Saturday match at Old Trafford – the visit of Brighton on Saturday – in the 12 weeks between October 5 and Christmas Day.
United fans also face difficult trips to Tottenham for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off on November 8, and to Crystal Palace on Sunday, November 30, with the match at Selhurst Park scheduled for 12pm.
Sources said they sympathised with fans who feel they have been given an unfavourable run of fixtures, given increased costs and logistical issues caused by midweek matches, but also accepted United had agreed to more games being played on Monday and Friday as part of the new broadcast deal.
Manchester United fans have been handed a run of midweek matches before Christmas
United’s clash with Brighton is their only home Saturday fixture between October 5 and December 25
It is understood the club recognise the benefits of additional slots but have also highlighted the importance of match-going supporters to the English game as a whole.
United are the only team with three consecutive midweek Premier League matches in the lead-up to the festive period.
Amorim’s side play West Ham on Thursday, December 4, before travelling to Wolves the following Monday. Bournemouth then make the long trip to Old Trafford 10 days before Christmas.
It is possible United may have another night fixture before the end of the year as the Premier League have not yet confirmed their festive programme. The Red Devils are due to play Newcastle at home on Saturday, December 27, but it could be moved to an evening kick-off on Boxing Day.
United failing to qualify for Europe opened up further possibilities for their matches to be played on Monday nights as there are fewer scheduling limitations when a team is not in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.
Amorim’s team host Brighton in the Saturday tea-time slot this weekend. There is only one train home after the match for visiting supporters and United fans heading back towards London.
