Why Manchester United vs Leeds has been postponed but Brentford vs Arsenal hasn’t
Manchester United vs. Leeds will be rescheduled, but two Premier League games were played on Friday night, and five more are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
The Premier League resumes this weekend after the previous round of fixtures was postponed due to Queen Elizabeth II’s death, but Manchester United’s match against Leeds United, scheduled for Sunday, has been canceled.
A number of other games have been canceled, including Brighton vs. Crystal Palace due to planned rail network industrial action, and Chelsea vs. Liverpool on Sunday due to the royal burial on Monday.
Brentford vs. Arsenal, scheduled for Sunday at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, is still on.
Many people expected Brentford versus Arsenal to be postponed because it was scheduled on the same day as the two other postponed games, especially because it was in the capital. That, however, has not proven to be the case.
Why is United vs. Leeds canceled?
The Reds’ match against Leeds was rescheduled earlier this week owing to the royal funeral. There was some concern about a lack of police resources for Sunday’s game, given that the funeral occurs less than 24 hours after the game was scheduled to take place at Old Trafford.
The Premier League noted in a statement made on Monday that “after significant consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups, and other relevant agencies, there was no alternative option but to postpone the three fixtures.”
Why is the game between Brentford and Arsenal still on?
While Brentford vs. Arsenal is also on Sunday, the game is being allowed to go ahead because it is thought that a police presence as strong as that required for the other two postponed fixtures will not be required due to the absence of enmity between the two sides.
However, the kick-off time has been moved up to 12pm, from the original time of 2pm. This was done to boost the game’s safety even further.
The match between Everton and West Ham at Goodison Park will also take place on Sunday.
When are United’s next games?
Erik ten Hag’s team will not be back in play until after the international break. On October 2, the Reds will play rivals Manchester City in their first game back.
