As Manchester United prepare for a chaotic festive schedule, one of their leaders has raised an issue with Premier League officials.
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berada has raised concerns with the Premier League about the number of midweek evening kick-offs clubs will hold between now and Christmas. United welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Saturday night.
If the match against Fabian Hürzeler’s side is decided, United won’t be able to enjoy a home weekend until Friday when they face Newcastle United on Boxing Day. All matches the Red Devils are scheduled to play at Old Trafford in the run-up to Christmas will fit into the midweek window with an evening kick-off time.
According to reports, Berrada has contacted the Premier League regarding how the list of matches has been reduced. The former Manchester City manager is believed to have been referring to the extra cost for match-going fans to attend games on the night.
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The Athletic understands that Mr Berrada’s discussions with Premier League officials have been “constructive” and that the United chief executive has highlighted “the cultural importance of fans attending matches to the fabric of the English game”.
He is also understood to have urged the Premier League to finalize broadcast decisions sooner so supporters can plan for Christmas around the kick-off schedule. Berrada’s meeting with Premier League representatives clearly shows that the club is paying attention to the concerns of United supporters.
Fan groups have recently voiced their anger over this season’s schedule. They believe supporters attending matches are being forced to deal with a series of issues, particularly in relation to the number of home games scheduled for midweek.
The United Fans Forum expressed their feelings in a letter to the club, who responded with their own letter. The Reds are one of several Premier League clubs to have backed an increase in Monday and Friday night matches as part of a new broadcast deal.
This was also proposed as a solution to the expanded European schedule, which will feature a record number of clubs across the Champions League, Europa League and UEFA Conference League. United failed to qualify for any continental competition this season.
However, last season was completely affected by the extended schedule, playing 15 games in the Europa League and losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the final. Amorim will be aiming for a hat-trick in the Premier League when he hosts Brighton.
The Portuguese manager finally achieved back-to-back Premier League titles as United beat Liverpool 2-1 away. Victory against the current Premier League champions and a 2-0 home win against Sunderland also lifted United into ninth place.
They are one point ahead of tomorrow’s opponents Brighton, who have had notable wins over City and Chelsea this season. Amorim hinted that both Harry Maguire and Mason Mount may be in doubt for the next game against the Seasiders.
The United manager said: “There are some questions. We’ve had some issues with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount this week. Well, nothing serious but we’ll see tomorrow.”
“Richa was out. He was training really well. He was up on the next pitch and I was watching. He has been training very well and his knee is in good shape, but I don’t want to say a specific week (until he returns). After that, it’s up to Richa to decide if he takes the spot.”
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