Man United learn how they’ll be impacted after confirmation of major FA Cup changes | OneFootball

Manchester United have learned how they’ll be affected following the official announcement of major changes to the FA Cup.

The alterations to the format of the FA Cup are set to take effect from the 2024/25 season.

Replays from the first round onwards have now been done away with, as a result of the expansion of UEFA’s European competitions.

FA Cup ties will now be decided on the day. In the event of a stalemate, games will be settled through extra time or if need be, a penalty shoot-out.

From next term, the FA Cup final will also be held on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League campaign, with no top-flight games taking place to make sure the focus of fans and viewers around the world remains on the Wembley showpiece event.

In addition to this, the Premier League is set to increase its funding to grassroots football from £100m per season to £133m – a significant £33m increase. This increment will take effect from the 2025/26 season.

The last time United took part in an FA Cup replay was against Wolves in 2020. The Red Devils won 1-0 at Old Trafford following a goalless stalemate at the Molineux. The goal was scored by Juan Mata.

More changes that have been announced include the fact that all rounds will now be played on weekends. There will be no midweek slots for the fifth round, as was the case this season when United beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 to proceed to the quarter-final of the competition.

The FA issued a statement which read, “The FA and the Premier League have reached a new agreement which will strengthen the Emirates FA Cup format with new and exclusive calendar windows. The agreement, which is for a minimum of six years, starts next season. All rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will now be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.

“The fourth and fifth rounds and the quarter-finals all will be exclusive of Premier League fixtures for the first time, and the fourth round will have an extended window from Friday to Wednesday to allow fans to watch consecutive days of Emirates FA Cup football.”

FA chief Mark Bullingham added, “The Emirates FA Cup is our biggest asset and generates over 60 per cent of our revenue to invest into the game, so it is critical to secure a strong format for the future.”

“This new agreement between the FA and the Premier League strengthens the Emirates FA Cup and gives this very special tournament exclusive weekends in an increasingly busy calendar. The new schedule ensures the magic of the cup is protected and enhanced, while working for the whole of the English game. The longer summer period also allows a much-needed player break before the start of the next season.”

“We have also agreed new funding for the grassroots game, disability football and the women’s and girls’ game. All football begins at the grassroots, and this is recognised by the Premier League with very welcome additional financial support.”

Last season, United reached the final of the FA Cup but were beat by Pep Guardiola’s  Manchester City.

The possibility of yet another all-Manchester final remains but Erik ten Hag’s men must first get past Mark Robins’ Coventry City side, whom they face this Sunday.

Meanwhile, City will face off against Chelsea this weekend.

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