Manchester United supporters could face severe travel disruption when returning home from this weekend's Premier League match in Brentford.
Erik ten Hag's side kick off against Brentford at 8pm (GMT) at the G Tech Community Stadium on Saturday, but supporters will be unable to attend due to construction work scheduled for the Easter weekend. He may be forced to stay in London until at least Monday.
The trip to Brentford will be United's fourth Saturday match, following matches against Burnley, Sheffield United and Newcastle United, with the match starting at 8pm, the highest time in the Premier League this season.
The Athletic explains the challenges United supporters will face when they visit the capital this weekend…
Why might supporters face disruption?
Network Rail has confirmed that civil works costing up to £90 million ($114 million) are planned over the Easter weekend.
Routes from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly and vice versa will be affected due to works between Euston and Milton Keynes. Network Rail said this will affect services from Good Friday, March 29, to Easter Monday, April 1.
This means there are no direct trains to Manchester. The final time he is scheduled to return to Manchester on Saturday is 8.02pm GMT, two minutes after United's kick-off against Brentford.
On Sunday, there will also be no direct trains to Manchester Piccadilly, requiring at least one change.
Network Rail says much of the work has been planned months and even years in advance.
How have the fans reacted?
The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of the controversial match, claiming fans were not taken into account when kick-off times were set.
A spokesperson told the Telegraph: “Sadly, supporters of the game have become all too accustomed to the fact that we seem to be the last to be considered when kick-off times are decided.
“This is the fourth time this season that United have been away at 8pm on a Saturday, and it shows a blatant disregard for the fans watching the match by TV companies and football authorities.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, they said football without fans is meaningless. It's time for football authorities to show what they mean.”
A reporter from The Athletic has reached out to MUST for further comment.
Did the Premier League say anything?
The Premier League declined to comment when asked by The Athletic about kick-off times and any travel issues United fans may have.
The league also faced criticism earlier this season when Chelsea's trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers was scheduled for 1pm on Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve. Chelsea Supporters Trust has 'ridiculed' chief executive Richard Masters' claim that the Premier League will 'ensure that supporters' voices are heard not only in the stands but also at matches'. said in a statement. be able to speak out on important issues related to their club; ” The Premier League announced in December that there would be no Christmas Eve matches in the 2024-25 season.
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