Manchester United Raise Concerns Over Packed Midweek Schedule

Manchester United have taken their frustrations directly to the Premier League, after realizing their fixture list between November and Christmas offers no weekend home games until Boxing Day. For a club so deeply rooted in fan culture, this scheduling quirk has become more than a logistical issue—it’s a point of principle.

Chief executive Omar Berrada has reportedly spoken with league officials, emphasizing how the current calendar unfairly impacts match-going fans, many of whom travel long distances or juggle demanding work schedules.

The next weekend home game? December 26, against Newcastle United.

While midweek football under the floodlights can carry a certain magic, it also comes with real challenges. Fans traveling from other cities—or even from outside England—face higher transportation costs, limited accommodation options, and late-night returns that make attending multiple games nearly impossible.

Berrada’s message to the Premier League was simple: the schedule doesn’t just affect the players—it affects the people who keep the sport alive. He reportedly highlighted “the cultural importance of match-going supporters to the fabric of the English game,” reminding the league that its identity relies as much on the stands as it does on the pitch.

A spokesperson for United confirmed that discussions were “constructive,” but fans remain skeptical that much will change in the short term.

Many have voiced frustration online, calling the fixture arrangement “tone-deaf” and “unfair” to the club’s loyal fan base. One supporters’ group even suggested that the scheduling feels like punishment for United’s lack of European football this season—an ironic twist, considering the team is playing fewer matches overall.

Some observers, however, argue that the club’s complaints may sound hollow given recent history. Last season, United juggled an exhausting schedule across four competitions, including 15 Europa League games, and still managed to maintain strong attendances.

But the context is different now. Without European fixtures, many fans expected a more balanced domestic schedule—one that included traditional Saturday or Sunday matches at Old Trafford. Instead, the team will now play every home game in November and December midweek, typically at 8 p.m. local time, creating logistical headaches for thousands of supporters.

Beyond fan inconvenience, the club’s management fears the timing could also hurt matchday revenue. Evening kickoffs midweek are typically associated with slightly lower attendance, especially for games against smaller clubs, as families and younger fans often can’t attend due to work or school commitments the next morning.