Why is Manchester United vs Leeds not on TV on Wednesday?

Manchester United face bitter rivals Leeds United on Wednesday… but why is the game NOT on TV, with Sunderland vs Fulham on instead? And how can you follow the Premier League action?

  • Rivals Manchester United and Leeds play on Wednesday night at Old Trafford 
  • They will also go head-to-head just four days later on Sunday at Elland Road 
  • The Wednesday fixture will not be televised live in the United Kingdom, however

Manchester United and Leeds go head-to-head twice this week in two crunch Premier League clashes – but, much to the dismay of the fans, the first encounter on Wednesday will not be televised in the UK. 

The bitter rivals were first scheduled to play at Old Trafford back in September last year, before it was postponed and eventually pushed back to February 8. 

United and Leeds will play again on Sunday, this time at Elland Road. American coach Chris Armas – formerly the assistant coach under Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford – is currently set to be in charge of Leeds for both games. 

Leeds are at this point managerless in the wake of Jesse Marsch’s sacking but desperately need points on the board, with only three separating them in 17th and Southampton at the foot of the table. 

United, meanwhile, are looking to force their way into title contention, currently sat eight points behind Arsenal – though having played a game more. However, the fans won’t be able to watch the game on TV, and Sportsmail explains why below. 

Manchester United square off against bitter rivals Leeds on Wednesday and Sunday this week

Chris Armas is set to take temporary charge at Leeds following the dismissal of Jesse Marsch

Why was the game postponed?

The clash between Manchester United and Leeds at Old Trafford was initially due to be played on September 18. 

It was postponed following the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, however, with her funeral taking place the day after the clash.    

Tottenham’s game with Leicester City and Arsenal’s trip to Brentford both went ahead, but less policing was required for the games. 

Policing was already stretched for the funeral, and numbers from forces across the country — including Greater Manchester — were drafted in to assist. The game between United and Leeds was therefore postponed. 

It wasn’t until January that the re-arranged clash – on February 8 – was confirmed by the Premier League, and the date was only set in stone when both sides won their FA Cup fourth-round ties without needing a replay.

Why is Manchester United vs Leeds not on TV?

For football fans looking to catch the action on Wednesday evening, it’s the FA Cup fourth-round replay between Sunderland and Fulham they’ll find on TV. 

The Premier League clash between United and Leeds – which you’d presume would draw in bigger viewing figures – will not be telivised, however. 

That’s because the original fixture had not been picked as the televised fixture in the United Kingdom, with Sky showing Brentford vs Arsenal instead. For that reason, the re-arranged match can’t be shown on TV. 

Leeds’ September trip to Manchester United was postponed due to a lack of police resources ahead of the Queen’s funeral

Sunday’s clash between Leeds and United and Elland Road will be on TV – live on Sky Sports – however.  

How can you follow the action? 

While the fans won’t be able to watch the action in the UK, Sportsmail will be covering the game live, so you can keep up-to-date with us. 

There will also be radio commentary live on both talkSPORT and MUTV. 

United will also post the highlights from midnight GMT on Thursday, with extended editions to follow. 


Source: Read Full Article