Why Manchester United are playing Sheffield United in the Premier League at 8pm
Why Manchester United are playing Sheffield United in the Premier League at 8pm
If there is one team Manchester United would pick to face on their Premier League return from the international break, perhaps it would be Sheffield United.
The Blades are rooted to the foot of the table having picked up just one point in their opening eight matches, and their last home game ended in an 8-0 mauling. They have already shipped 22 goals and have only found the net twice in their previous four outings.
United will be expected to pick up three points at Bramall Lane and show they can be a force on the road having struggled away from Old Trafford last season. They will have to do so at an unusual time on a Saturday though.
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United have already played at 8pm on a weekend already this season, having beaten Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor last month. Before this campaign it was extremely rare for clubs to kick off at this time on Saturday but for severe schedule clashes or external circumstances.
However, new changes to rules regarding Champions League matches mean that those competing in the competition at 8pm on Wednesday have their fixtures moved to later on a Saturday to allow ample rest and travel time.
Erik ten Hag's side were originally due at Bramall Lane on the Sunday after being picked for a Sky Sports live broadcast, however it has been moved due to their Champions League commitments. They will host FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford on Tuesday, October 24 so the fixture was switched from Sunday to Saturday.
The clash will be shown live on Sky Sports for subscribers. Numerous Premier League bosses who see their teams compete in the Champions League have previously criticised the small gap in time between a Wednesday tie and the early Saturday kick-off time, especially when the team has been playing elsewhere on the continent.
Clubs who play in the Europa League and Europa Conference League always play on a Sunday, or sometimes Monday, to allow sufficient rest time between games.
