Welcome to the new reality for Manchester United fans… a 24 day break between matches.
Yes, you read that right. TWENTY-FOUR days between fixtures, and this is only ‘Day one’.
Unlike 2024/25 when we would actually welcome a respite from the horrific campaign, Manchester United are flying in 2025/26.
This upcoming break is especially long – and there are multiple reasons why it is this way. Let’s break it all down…
Michael Carrick speaking to Diogo Dalot
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
International break
The initial reason for the pause in the season is the final international break of the season. It is a significant one, featuring the World Cup playoffs.
The playoffs begin on Thursday March 26 and conclude on Tuesday March 31.
There will be international friendlies ongoing during this period too, for countries not involved in the playoffs, with many already booking their place at the 2026 World Cup.
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No FA Cup
The first weekend back after the international break sees club football resume over Easter weekend, starting Saturday April 4.
Not for Manchester United. Club football resumes with the FA Cup quarter-finals, and with United eliminated back in January, it means an extra weekend off.
No Champions League
Straight after FA Cup weekend, UEFA competitions resume with the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
This does not impact Manchester United in 2025/26, after failing to qualify. United are well-positioned to put this right for 2026/27, but in the meantime, it means more waiting.
Are Roy Keane’s concerns valid? Or is he just adding needless negativity to the Michael Carrick debate?
Keane/Carrick
Getty Images
TV scheduling
Manchester United’s fixture break was always going to be long. But it is the fault of the TV companies that it is quite this long.
United were scheduled for the Friday night game vs Bournemouth before the break, and have been set a Monday night fixture for when we return.
The scheduled game for Saturday April 11 against Leeds was rescheduled for Monday April 13, extending United’s break even further.
No mid-season friendly
United did consider whether to schedule a money-spinning mid-season friendly overseas, to keep the team fresh.
This could have alleviated some of the boredom for fans, but United have sensibly decided not to create the distraction, and set up a possible injury risk for the players.
Considering the political situation in the Middle East, there is a strong likelihood that a game in Saudi Arabia would have been cancelled in any case.
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