Dugout Discussion

Man Utd v Liverpool postponed after protests in and around Old Trafford

Sunday’s Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool has been officially postponed following supporter protests inside and outside Old Trafford.

No new date has yet been announced by the Premier League but available windows are thin on the ground.

Thousands of Manchester United fans had been protesting against the club’s ownership ahead of kick-off, with supporters present around the stadium and separately holding up the departure of the team buses from the Lowry Hotel.

A small section of fans had also made it onto the pitch during the demonstration.

A statement from United said:

Following discussion between the Police, The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today. Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.

Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest. 
 
However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger. We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.

The Premier League added in their own statement:

Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United v Liverpool game has been postponed. This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities. The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance.

We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches. Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.

We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.

The rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.

WHEN COULD THE REARRANGED MATCH TAKE PLACE?

Man Utd v Liverpool kick-off delayed as protesting fans invade Old Trafford pitch 2

Playing the rearranged game tomorrow night (still within Gameweek 34) is one scenario providing security concerns aren’t an ongoing issue and any relevant rearrangements can be made, with the Red Devils still getting a 72-hour window before their rematch with Roma.

Aside from that, the only free slot that Manchester United have is on the weekend of May 15/16 (Gameweek 36) – when Liverpool are in action against West Bromwich Albion.

West Brom v Liverpool could, theoretically, be moved back a few days into the midweek of Gameweek 35, creating a ‘double’ for both teams and allowing Manchester United v Liverpool to take place in Gameweek 36:

Thanks again to Legomane for the graphic.

TEAM NEWS

The teamsheets had actually been released as normal an hour before the scheduled kick-off time.

The headline news was that Diogo Jota (£7.1m) was only among the substitutes, with Jurgen Klopp reverting back to his tried-and-tested 4-3-3 set-up following a dalliance with a more attacking formation last weekend.

Jota was one of two players who dropped out of the starting XI, with Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.3m) also making way.

Nat Phillips (£4.1m) had been passed fit, while James Milner (£5.3m) was recalled in the middle of the park.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s line-up showed only one change from the side he sent out to face Leeds United last weekend.

Paul Pogba (£7.6m) returned, with Daniel James (£6.2m) dropping out.

SUNDAY’S OTHER GAMEWEEK 34 ACTION

A match that had very little impact on the upper echelons of Fantasy Premier League went the way of the visitors at St James’ Park.

Thanks to a combination of injuries, rotation and general disinterest in either side, not a single player on show had an effective ownership of greater than 0.27% in the top 10k.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m) was back in the starting XI after a spell out with malaria and continued his fine individual record against a listless and potentially ‘on the beach’ Newcastle United, scoring one and fortuitously assisting another en route to a first double-digit haul since Gameweek 24.

A third of his 12 attacking returns this season have come against the Magpies.

Budget FPL midfielder Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m) set up the Gabon international’s goal, with the even-cheaper Mohamed Elneny (£4.2m) scoring the opener following an Aubameyang miscue.

Bernd Leno (£5.0m), Bukayo Saka (£5.1m), Emile Smith Rowe (£4.2m) and Rob Holding (£4.3m) were all either unused substitutes or not involved as Arteta once again ran wild with the rotation with one eye on Europe.

Arsenal were again without Kieran Tierney (£5.2m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£8.4m), with Arteta offering a pessimistic update ahead of kick-off.


GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

1,576 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Could be rescheduled in the fa cup final weekend. Seems like the only free slot. Meaning no blank for united and a double for liverpool

    1. TeddiPonza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Gw 36 that is

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Where does WBrom v Liverpool get moved to. Unfair on WBrom

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would work great for me. Even if this week becomes a farce 😆

    3. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Play it tomorrow

      1. Sarri-ball
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        United play roma in italy on thursday maybe tight?

    4. Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      But Liverpool already scheduled to play on Sunday 16th?
      Then there's 37 on Weds 19th and 38 on Sunday 23rd.
      There really isn't time left, without forcing 3 games in 6 days, which is why it would be smart to play tomorrow.

      1. TeddiPonza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Wba liverpool moved to midweek 35

    5. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looking at it my opnion as dont c a gap.

      But could wba v pool say wed night then united v pool go into gw36

  2. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    If the PL don't punish Manchester United they will be setting a dangerous precedent

    1. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah it's the teams fault....

      Not sure you've got the rough angle here

      1. Quan MisTaka
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Right **

      2. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Teams regularly get point punishments in the lower divisions because ot financial impropriety - that's not the players fault either

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Give the 3 pts to Pool is the only logical decision

    3. MarvelouSuccess
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It was a peaceful protest apart from a few muppets

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Breaking into a stadium ... yeaaah

        1. Bushwhacker
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Oh and coppers with bandages

      2. Salan
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        It's not peaceful.

    4. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Exactly

      And basically this match should not be postponed, but gives 0:3 to a ManU lost.

      If not, ManU should get a very heavy fine and PL point deduction as well.

      1. MarvelouSuccess
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Anyone that says 'ManU' doesn't have a say in this

        1. Utopsis
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Don't be so sanctimonious

        2. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Ludicrous

    5. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Agreed - I think 3 points to Liverpool and title to City is the fair outcome.

      It's what the protesters wanted isn't it?

  3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Micah Richards “the fans who entered the stadium were peaceful”

    They broke into the stadium...

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Had leave to catch their trains back to London fortuntalry

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      And they used their outside voices!

    3. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Micah should be fired

  4. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Just got home, but couldn't watch the game. Please don't spoil how many points Bruno(C), Greenwood, Shaw, Salah(VC), Jota and TAA are on

  5. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else with 6 players not playing? Will be lucky to break 20pts. Top 10k dream over now. Disgrace

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lol

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      6? Try 9.

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        As in 9 out of 15. If Dawson plays tomorrow I'll scrape 6 this week.

    3. MarvelouSuccess
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I've only got 7 players playing

    4. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm absolutely finished mate

    5. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I can get a full team out, green arrow incoming.

    6. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, Bruno, Kane, Shaw, Saka, Rudiger, Phillips.

    7. G00LI0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have 5 players from the United v pool game

  6. jammie26
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Happy days. Only got 2 players in this match and got watkins and dunk points coming off the bench.

  7. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Tbf it was obvious that this protest was coming and that it would lead to a postponement. Those with 4+ Pool and United and no bench had this coming.

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      True

    2. MarvelouSuccess
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Captain hindsight

    3. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Erm. Yeah, obvious!
      Everyone was talking about it being postponed.

    4. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      not at all

    5. G00LI0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nonsense

    6. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Brilliant work!

  8. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why can't it be played midweek GW37?

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Gw 37 is itself in midweek

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Because Mark sold Bruno. He needs to buy him back first

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Got the cologne?

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Guess what day the GW37 deadline is on?

    4. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      They can play weekend of 15/16 May if W Brom v Liv is brought forward to mid week gw 35

  9. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Joke of a season

  10. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    BB week!!

    Sanchez | Areola
    TAA Shaw Lowton
    Salah Son Lingard Saka
    Kane Vardy Iheanacho
    ¦ Pereira Coady Phillips

    1 FT, 1.5 ITB

    Willing to take a hit.

    Suggest a transfer?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Suggest you wait given all the games before next GW.

    2. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah > Bruno

  11. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Forster TAA Shaw Holding Rudiger Bruno Jota Salah all 0... sigh. Guess alot are the same boat.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Glad we didn’t Cap Salah or Bruno.

  12. Bielsa's Bucket
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Teams in shambles

  13. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Free wildcard activated...

  14. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Im all for this if it means Pool DGW 35

    Salah TC

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It will happen when the “fans” say

  15. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Down to 9 men. But with no Bruno, TAA or Greenwood I guess I am on the right side of this in terms of FPL

    1. MarvelouSuccess
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Pure luck tbh

  16. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The police in England don't have water cannons and rubber bullets?

  17. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Many of the people who used their right to peaceful protest today will be the same people who moan when Extinction Rebellion or Black Lives Matter are using that same right.....

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes very well said

    2. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Divide and conquer

    3. Muchentuchel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      this. hypocrites all over.

    4. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Undoubtedly true unfortunately

    5. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Link please...

    6. cheekumz
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      pretty sure the "right to peaceful protest' doesn't extend to private property without permission either, these people >.

    7. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah like the two "causes" have anything in common or are comparable in importance. Get real.

  18. skooldaze
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Ben Crellin's Excel will be taking a hammering now. More calculations than the Enigma machine.

  19. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Really looking forward to seeing how Ben Mee can make up points for Shaw Mo Bruno Saka and Jota.

  20. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Brilliant holding Bruno and not moving to son is gonna hurt. This game this season is a mess. Rival benched Watkins and is rewarded with pure luck only have two pool players and no utd.

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah it’s a killer mate!! My moves this week we going to Be Bruno and Bamford to Son and DCL and I decided to save instead because of the double gameweek announcement!!! Normally I make the transfers early and the one week I show patience it back fires !!

  21. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Tomorrow is the only space, unless they allow 3 games a week

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Can move pool wba to midweek 35.

      Pool utd in 36 then

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Move this game into 36 and allow Liverpool play WBA in 35?

  22. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Tomorrow is a bank holiday

    Logistics in putting a game on include arranging police presence I assume. That's not going to happen at a day's notice,

    Postponed into 36.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You cannot arrange police & support services in such a short time, game date TBC

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        BS of course they could.

  23. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Just the 5 in this game ... 🙁

  24. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Down to 8 men yippeeee

    1. FPL DONKEY
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Same here!

      But I missed the transfer deadline and Kane was still on my bench, so at least I can stop feeling bad about that. Salah (C) Iheanacho (VC) though, so hoping for not too many Kane points

  25. Bielsa's Bucket
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is a triple GW in week 35 plausible?

  26. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bruno and Jota sellers the real winners

  27. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Andy is absolutely desperate to tweet. He's probably got a dozen tweets saved in his drafts

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Is it a blackout if your still reading social media

      1. Surfeit of Lampteys
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        No, it really isn't!

  28. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    @AlanKelly87: @hailcheaters If the game doesn't happen tomorrow, they'd have to bring Liverpool v West Brom into the GW35 DGW, and play Man United v Liverpool in 36.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No chance, not able to arrange police & support services at such short notice, the game is one piece in a big jigsaw

      1. alastair
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yet they managed to do so when the Bournemouth game was rearranged for the next day after the bomb scare - and there were supporters at the game.

        1. No Kane No Gain
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          It was at least 2 days after, not the day after

  29. Quan MisTaka
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Graham sounness is out of his depth

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Well he is a man that almost started a riot in Turkey about 20 years old.

  30. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Looking at all the faces of the breakers-in glimmering with intelligence - I sincerely hope face-recognition software in the UK is strong. Morons.

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Meatheads ... it’s amazing they can actually walk and breath at the same time.

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      This