Frustrated with the match schedule, Manchester United files complaint to Premier League organizers

Manchester United is reportedly lodging a complaint with the Premier League and Sky Sports after expressing dissatisfaction with the newly announced fixture list.

The team under manager Michael Carrick will have to play three matches at 20:00 (UK time) or 02:00 (Vietnam time) in April. Specifically, they will host Leeds United and Brentford FC at Old Trafford on April 14, before visiting Chelsea FC on April 19, still kicking off at 02:00 (Vietnam time). This means 14 out of Manchester United's 34 Premier League matches this season are scheduled at 02:00 (Vietnam time).

This time slot is considered inconvenient for fans, especially the away trip to Stamford Bridge on April 18. However, that is not the most frustrating issue for the club.

According to The Sun, Manchester United officials are reportedly "very angry" with a decision deemed irritating from the league organizers and broadcasters. They understand that Manchester United is always an attractive choice for television, but have formally raised the issue with both the Premier League and Sky Sports.

Such scheduling partly stems from Manchester United's absence from other competitions. They were eliminated from the EFL Cup by Grimsby Town in August and stopped in the FA Cup third round after losing to Brighton & Hove Albion in January. Combined with not participating in European cups, Manchester United's schedule is more easily adjusted to serve television broadcasts.

Additionally, Carrick's team also faces very long gaps between matches. After the away trip to AFC Bournemouth on March 20 (also at 02:00 Vietnam time), they must wait 24 days for their next Premier League match against Leeds on April 14. The reason is due to the national team gathering and the FA Cup quarter-finals, a competition Manchester United is not involved in.

Following the 2-1 loss to Newcastle United early on March 5, Manchester United will have a 10-day break before hosting Aston Villa on March 15. In reality, the Old Trafford side cannot complain too much, as not having to play in other competitions sometimes provides an advantage in the Premier League top-four race, while many rivals still must share energy for European campaigns.

The defeat to Newcastle was also Carrick's first loss since taking temporary charge, as William Osula scored the decisive goal for the hosts despite them having only 10 men on the field. Nevertheless, since Aston Villa suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Chelsea, Manchester United maintains its third-place position on the standings, with 9 rounds remaining in the season.