MANCHESTER UNITED WILL play three Premier League matches in just five days after their postponed game against Liverpool was rearranged for next Thursday.
Sunday’s clash between the bitter rivals was called off due to United fans’ anti-Glazer protest, which saw some supporters get into Old Trafford and onto the pitch.
That match has now been rearranged for 13 May, which follows hot on the heels of the 9 May trip to Aston Villa and home match against third-placed Leicester on 11 May.
United have the small matter of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Roma to come first, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sure to be furious about the scheduling as a challenging season comes to a cluttered conclusion.
The club posted on their website: “Each of our three remaining Old Trafford dates, against Leicester City, Liverpool and Fulham, have been rearranged, with the first two affected by Sunday’s postponement.
“United v Liverpool will now be played at 20:15 BST on 13 Thursday May and, as intended originally, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
“The scheduling of that fixture means the visit of Leicester – already rearranged due to the Foxes’ involvement in the Emirates FA Cup final – has been put back 24 hours to 11 Tuesday May.”
Assuming Solskjaer’s men do not blow their 6-2 semi-final first leg advantage against Roma, they will be playing seven matches in 21 days – a period that will include trips to Italy and Poland.
Among those fixtures will be the return of fans to Old Trafford for the first time since March 2020.
Man United fans protest at Old Trafford.
Source: PA
The Premier League’s updated fixture schedule confirmed that United’s home match against Fulham will be among the first to host supporters when coronavirus restrictions are lifted on 17 May.
Solskjaer’s side will host the Cottagers at 6pm the following day, when Southampton will kick-off at home to Leeds.
Up to 10,000 fans will be allowed into matches in round 37 on 18-19 May and in round 38 on 23 May, provided the Government goes ahead with the planned easing of coronavirus restrictions.
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The Premier League announced on Wednesday that away fans will be barred from attending the final two rounds of games.
“Following consultation with clubs, it was agreed matches would not be open to away supporters due to varying operational challenges across the league and the need to deliver a consistent approach, while maximising the opportunity for home-fan attendance,” a league statement read.
“The safety and security of supporters is of paramount importance. Clubs have a proven track record of providing Covid-safe environments and have operational plans in place ready to safely welcome supporters back to their stadiums.”
The Government is set to announce whether or not restrictions will be eased no later than 10 May.