Erik ten Hag slams Premier League over Manchester United kick-off times
This season, United have already faced Brighton and Southampton away at 12:30pm
Erik ten Hag has urged the Premier League to reconsider its fixture scheduling following recent criticisms of how his club and Manchester United supporters have been treated.
This season, United have already faced Brighton and Southampton away at 12:30pm.
Last season, their fixtures included trips to Brentford at 8pm on a Saturday, Crystal Palace at 8pm on a Bank Holiday Monday, and Chelsea at 8 PM on a Thursday.
The desire of broadcasters to feature United in prime television slots has frequently led to rescheduled games, often impacting fans.
Ten Hag has expressed frustration over the decision to schedule the trip to St Mary’s for a Saturday lunchtime slot following an international break, highlighting the additional challenges this imposes on supporters.
“First of all, for the fans it is very unfair to deal with this, with 8pm away games on a Saturday night, the 12.30pm, it’s not right, but they are always there,” Ten Hag said of United’s supporters.
“I’m so proud of our fans that they are always there, whatever happens on the pitch they’re always supportive of the team and there is a really good connection.
“They bring a very good ambience at Old Trafford and also at away games.
“I think the Premier League should pay some attention to this.”
He added: “It’s not an advantage to have so many players on international duty and we have to play a 12.30pm game, so credit to the lads and the team.
“It’s a big disadvantage, but we have to deal with it as they did today.
“The team are mature, it doesn’t matter, we always have to win, we can’t bring any excuse.”
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