Ruben Amorim claps the fans after Man United's jaw-dropping 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.placeholder image
Ruben Amorim claps the fans after Man United's jaw-dropping 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. | Getty Images
Manchester United welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford on Boxing Day this year.
Man United will be encouraged by Ruben Amorim’s first full season at the club so far, as there has been significant improvement, not only in results, but also when using the eye test, compared to last season at Old Trafford.
They’ll hope to build on their progress with a tough clash against Newcastle on Boxing Day, as the Magpies will make the trip to the North West to play against United, in what should be a big clash between two teams hopeful of a top-six finish.
However, unlike previous years when Boxing Day has been filled with Premier League action, the Man United vs Newcastle game is the only league fixture to take place on Boxing Day, which is an unusual decision for the Premier League to make.
Why is Man Utd vs Newcastle the only game on Boxing Day
The Red Devils’ challenge against Newcastle will be the only fixture in the Premier League on Boxing Day, and it is all because of the number of English clubs featuring in European football competitions this season, and the expansion of said competitions.
After the fixture was announced, the Premier League released a statement via Man United’s Official Website. It reads: “There are now several challenges to Premier League fixture scheduling rooted in the expansion of European club competitions, which led to a revision of our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup.
"As with previous years, and in keeping with our commitment to clubs, special arrangements have been made to allow more time between games played across the festive period. This will allow greater time for players to recover, with the rest periods between rounds 18, 19 and 20 being increased to ensure that no club plays within 60 hours of another match.
“With fewer weekends to work with, the League is bound by how the calendar falls. The League can give an assurance that, next season, there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day – as the date falls on a Saturday.”
It means Man City are one of 18 Premier League clubs not in action on Boxing Day. They are back in action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 27. They kick off at 12.30pm.
How to watch Man United vs Newcastle
Seeing as the Red Devils’ already big clash against Newcastle is the only game on Boxing Day, it is set up to be an even bigger match at Old Trafford, and is expected to receive massive viewing figures because of that.
The game kicks off at 8 pm on Friday, 26 December, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. Now TV customers will also be able to stream the match live from mobile devices, computers and smart TVs.
In terms of the other games that would have taken place on Boxing Day, seven games will take place on Saturday, 27 December, and two will feature on Sunday, 28 December; Similar to a normal weekend match schedule.
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