With the hectic festive schedule firmly on the horizon, Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada has reportedly communicated a concern to the Premier League
Omar Berrada has held talks with the Premier League(Image: PA)
Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada has confronted the Premier League about the number of midweek home matches they have between now and Christmas.
United host Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. When their match against Fabian Hurzeler’s side is over, United will not play another weekend home match until Boxing Day – a Friday – where they will host Newcastle United.
All matches United play at Old Trafford in the run-up to Christmas are scheduled to land midweek, which means they will have an evening kick-off time. According to reports, Berrada has reached out to the Premier League to “express concern” about the way in which the fixtures have landed.
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It’s understood by The Athletic Berrada’s conversation with Premier League representatives was “constructive” with the United CEO stressing “the cultural importance of match-going fans to the fabric of the English game.”
He also reportedly requested the Premier League to make their decisions about broadcasted games at an earlier stage, to ensure supporters can plan their Christmas commitments around kick-off times. Berrada’s meeting with Premier League representatives is a clear indication the club is listening to the concerns of United supporters.
Fan representatives recently communicated their frustration towards this season’s scheduling. They have felt match-going fans have had to deal with an unfavourable run of fixtures, in regards to the number of home games scheduled for midweek.
The United Fans’ Forum outlined these feelings in a letter sent to the club, who responded with a letter of their own. The Reds are one of many Premier League clubs who supported an increase in the number of Monday night and Friday matches, which was part of the new broadcast deal.
United fans have been concerned about the number of midweek, evening kick-offs at Old Trafford(Image: Getty Images)
It was also proposed as a solution to the expanded European schedule, which features a record number of clubs competing across the Champions League, the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League. United did not qualify for any of the continent’s competitions this season.
However, they did feel the full force of the lengthened schedule last season, when they played 15 matches in the Europa League, which saw them lose 1-0 in the final to Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim will be looking to make it three wins in three Premier League matches when his side host Brighton. United’s 2-1 away victory over Liverpool meant the Portuguese boss had finally recorded back-to-back victories in the Premier League.
After the home clash against Brighton, Amorim’s side will not play another Saturday home match during the run-up to Christmas, (Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)
The victory over the defending Premier League champions and the 2-0 home win over Sunderland has also lifted United into ninth position. They are one point ahead of tomorrow’s visitors Brighton, who boast victories over Manchester City and Chelsea this season.
Amorim suggested Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are both doubts for the clash 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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