Man Utd Fans Unhappy With Premier League Arrangements For Crystal Palace Clash

According to a report by Manchesterevening News on Wednesday October 21, 2026, many Manchester United fans are upset that their team’s December away game against Crystal Palace has been scheduled for a Sunday nite, citing travel issues as the reason.

With just two victories in their first ten matches across all competitions, United have had a disappointing start to the season. They last won over FK Sabah in the Champions League over a month ago, with a score of 4-0.

Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim in January and helped United finish third and qualify for the Champions League last season, is under increasing pressure. Frustration among Old Trafford supporters has already been fueled by disappointing performances.

The most recent fixture announcement has only served to heighten their worries; on Sunday, following the Premier League’s most recent television selections, United will travel to Selhurst Park for a 7 o’clock kickoff.

Traveling supporters returning to Manchester may face significant problems due to the timing. The last train from London Euston to Manchester leaves at 8:53pm, which is before the game ends, but the match is expected to finish close to 9pm.

As a result, supporters may have to spend money on overnight lodging in London or drive home late at nite. The scheduling decision may cause extra hassle for those who have to get up early the next day for work or family.

The match will be televised by TNT Sports. Some say that Crystal Palace’s scheduled Polish match against Jagiellonia three days before the regular Saturday lunchtime slot was unavailable. Just seven days after that, at 4:30pm, United will be back in London to take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Opponents have voiced their disapproval of the decision, claiming that the demands of those attending games in person are being neglected in favor of television arrangements. Some supporters feel that clubs and broadcasters prioritize financial gain over the well-being of their fellow fans.

Andy Mitten, a journalist, poked fun at the scheduling decision and made the sardonic suggestion that the match could be played on the moon at 2am in the future for better television viewing.

According to a statement from the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, which was reported by Simon Stone of the BBC, the arrangement has also received criticism.

A 7 o’clock Sunday kickoff, according to the group, would force fans to choose between an extremely late commute home or costly lodging, which could disrupt their work, school, and family lives.

The trust wanted to know why a different start time couldn’t have been scheduled, even though Palace’s European schedule dictates that the match must be played on Sunday. It demanded that the Premier League, clubs, and media prioritize traveling fans by implementing serious protections.

The fixture arrangements will most likely remain unchanged following the confirmation of the kick-off time, regardless of the criticism. To ensure the safety of fans, the article adds that the Football Regulator should look into the matter.

In January 2025, United defeated Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage in a 7 o’clock Sunday afternoon match at London’s Craven Cottage. The game-winning goal came in the 78th minute from Lisandro Martinez.

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