Man United respond after Premier League’s confirmation of Crystal Palace fixture change | OneFootball

Manchester United have issued a statement urging the Premier League to consider the interests of fans ahead of the club’s bank holiday clash against Crystal Palace.

United are set to travel to Selhurst Park on May 6th, a Monday bank holiday. The game has now been scheduled to kick off at 8 pm, leading to potential travel chaos for travelling fans aiming to attend the match in London.

Any supporters making their way to the capital by train would need to leave the match during the opening 45 minutes to reach Euston, where the last train back to Manchester leaves at 9.39 pm.

This is not the first time United have seen a crucial away Premier League fixture changed and fitted into a late kick-off slot. The Palace game is set to be the sixth time this has happened this season!

Earlier this month, United’s away fans experienced great frustration as a result of back-to-back late evening matches in west London, enduring a 1-1 draw with Brentford and a narrow 4-3 defeat to Chelsea within just six days.

This series of late fixtures, which also included challenging away games at Burnley, Sheffield United, and Newcastle United, added up to the season’s sixth with the upcoming trip to Crystal Palace – this frequency of nighttime away games is the highest among all Premier League clubs this season.

Amidst all this, United have confirmed to their supporters that they have written to the league over the frustrating issue.

The club’s statement which was sent as an email to fans with tickets for the game vs. Palace, as relayed by The Manchester Evening News reads, “We share your frustrations and appreciate the logistical difficulties that have been created for our fans by this fixture being scheduled for an 8pm kick off on bank holiday Monday in London.”

“We want to inform you that we are writing to the Premier League to this effect and will be asking for greater consideration to be given to match-going fans when agreeing fixture schedules with broadcasters.”

“To support our travelling fans, we are pleased that together with our partner adidas, we are able to offer free coach travel for supporters making the trip to Selhurst Park from Manchester with our official coach partner, One Club United. Places are limited so please apply today to secure your seat.”

“With not all our fans wishing to travel by coach, we will also enter all ticket holders for this fixture into a draw to win a signed Manchester United shirt. Thank you for your incredible support.”

Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement, also said: “The role that match-going fans play in the success of the Premier League should never be overlooked or taken for granted, and scheduling fixtures without consideration on the impact of the fans often provides barriers to attendance.

“We are pleased to work with adidas to offer a free solution on this occasion, but we share the frustrations of those travelling and recognise the sacrifices our incredible fans make to follow Manchester United.”

Erik ten Hag and his players return to action this weekend when they go to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth.

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