Manchester United’s January fixture schedule is unusually light, leaving fans scratching their heads – but there is a reason.
Eric Ten Hag’s men host Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham on 14 January, their only Premier League game for the month. They don’t play another league match until they visit Wolves on Thursday 1 February.
As a result, United will play a total of just two matches in January, the other being their FA Cup third-round tie with Wigan Athletic on 8 January.
Why Do Manchester United Only Have One Game In January?
United released a post on their website revealing the reason behind the barren month of fixtures.
They explained that they only have one Premier League game in the calendar for January due to scheduling changes by the league.
The post said: “Our Premier League away clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers has been moved from Tuesday 30 January to Thursday 1 February, when it will kick off at 20:15 GMT and be shown on TNT Sports.”
As a result, United’s home game against West Ham will have to be rearranged. Originally scheduled for 3 February, the game cannot be played so close to the Wolves clash, so will need to move.
Manchester United’s FA Cup Fixtures
There is a possibility that Manchester United’s fixture list could gain another match in January – if they overcome League One Wigan in the FA Cup.
Were Ten Hag’s men victorious against Wigan at the Dw stadium, they would qualify for the fourth round. Fixtures for round four of the cup are due to be played over the weekend of 27-28 January.
United have already been dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Bundesliga side Bayern Munich. That 1-0 defeat came just days after an embarrassing 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
With the Red Devils already out of European competitions having failed to reach the Europa League knockouts, a January light on fixtures may provide some much-needed respite for fans and players alike.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 12, 2023
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League. They are already ten points adrift of leaders Liverpool, and six behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
Their next Premier League match is a daunting trip to Anfield to face Jurgen Klopp’s table-topping Reds. Liverpool have lost just once this season and came from behind to beat Crystal Palace last time out.
United haven’t won at Anfield since 2016, with Wayne Rooney grabbing the winner as it finished 1-0. They will be hoping to avoid a repeat of their most recent trip to the red side of Liverpool, though.
Last season, Liverpool thrashed united 7-0 in a record-breaking victory.
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