Why are Manchester United playing a Europa League game on Wednesday night?

Evening Standard

·25 settembre 2024

Why are Manchester United playing a Europa League game on Wednesday night?

Erik ten Hag meets former club FC Twente

Erik ten Hag enjoyed three stints with the Dutch club during his playing days and then began his coaching career with their academy, working under Steve McClaren during his managerial spell in 2012.

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The game, on paper at least, looks like favourable start to United’s European journey.

The new-look league phase of the competition has seen them draw home games against Twente, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt and Rangers.

On the road, United will travel to Porto, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, Viktoria Plzen and FCSB.

Ten Hag’s side will be strong favourites to progress into the knockout rounds but first must get through the test of Twente on a rather unusual Wednesday night kick-off.

Why are Manchester United playing a Europa League game on a Wednesday night?

As part of the relaunch for their club competitions, UEFA have earmarked exclusive weeks for the various tournaments.

Last week, Arsenal played a Champions League game on a Thursday night, with no Europa League or Conference League games played.

This week, the Europa League gets its exclusive week, meaning United are handed a Wednesday kick-off, which is usually reserved for the Champions League.