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.


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1,576 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I was looking forward to the game, had a good day out tho with the family and more to life than football.

    Also had it down as a draw on my coupon.

  2. Andre W
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wouldn't it be Liverpool vs WBA move to GW35 then Man United vs Liverpool in 36

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Someone uses Twitter

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

    No Kane.

    Went Son(C) & Havertz instead. Hoping to get lucky

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

    Football, society, kinder, gentler times.... RIp

  5. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Time to call it a day for FPL zis season.. was leading my ML by 12pts.. just managed to break into top 100k again after losing some ground in the last weeks.. 5 players in this game and am fooked!!!

  6. Old Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Salah/Jota/Robbo/Bruno/ESR no show. Rudiger injured. Never mind!
    8 points already and I get the mighty Tyrick Mitchell off the bench.
    Things are looking up! 😀

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

      So happy he played now!

  7. keefy59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    When do we reckon this game will be played ?
    At the moment happy with Dunk & Watkins off the bench for 16 points

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

      Gw36

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

      And me!

    3. CBonci
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Is Watkins the best auto sub in recent history? I feel like every week this happens

      1. CBonci
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        or Dallas

        1. CBonci
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Or the Lord last season

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

    Any chance tottenham fans storm the stadium to protest Mourinhos Sacking??

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

      😆

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe to celebrate.

  9. OLD Rafiki
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Son and Kane blanking would be a fpl career killer for real.

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Everyone has Kane cap. Wouldn't make any difference.

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

    I imagine there might be some consternation about moving it to tomorrow, with such a quick turn around, in case the same fans, plus a fair few more now suitably agitated, show up again.

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

      Won't happen

      Too much logistics involved and it's bank holiday

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

      Gw36

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

    I’m not planning on selling Liverpool or united players so not too worried about delayed match.

    Then realised others will be able to transfer them in to take advantage of double =[

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

      I'm glsd I've still got my wildcard to navigate this.

  12. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lol down to 5 players for the gameweek

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      lol

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

        I think that is possibly the record so far.

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

      Martinez (2), Dallas (1), Bamford (1), Nacho (5)

      Bench: Dunk (8), Holding (N/A)

      Kane (C) & Lingard to go 😆

      Gargantuan haul!

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Wow - you poor old sausage!

  13. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Not so long ago COVID postponements and even football lockdown were so painful to experience by the football communities, and this protest which ends up with postponement being done intentionally is somehow upsetting. Is people memory that short? Has to be a punishment there!

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

      This is bigger than a game. This is a stand against the glazers who have ruined us. I'm glad that it got postponed because now the glazers might sit up and take notice.

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

        I think you should ask Bury fans what being "ruined" really means

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

          We're not sheep. We're protesting against the glazers because they haven't spent a penny of their own money on the club. They should never have been allowed to take over the club on debt.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            If you were about to win the league like City and in a CL Semi final this week, would those protests be happening? Sure you can dislike the owners but still

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

              We still want them out. We'll never stop.

              1. Qaiss
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                I don’t think you would. The Liverpool owners aren’t great either. They aren’t going to storm Anfield next week though.

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

            You have a massive sense of entitlement if you really believe that heading for second place in the Premier League and the final of the Europa League is being "ruined"

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

              They also tried to ruin football 2 weeks ago don't forget. I bet you forgot that...

              1. Magic Zico
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                But why now? Was that the intention to ensure this game v LIV to be postponed?

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

                  I didn't see that happening. Maybe a delay.

                  1. Magic Zico
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    Ok but you said you're glad it's postponed. Anyway, I think it should probably be done in whatever more sensible ways in this climate of pandemic.

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

              Just crying cos they havent won a title in a few years and their rivals have been dominating the english game

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

                They've dominated because of our terrible owners. You don't have a clue mate.

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

                  Glory hunter

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

                    Here we go. Try harder mate.

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

                  Man Utd have a higher net spend than Chelsea

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

                    The glazers haven't spent any of their own money unlike other owners. They also bought us on debt. Do your research.

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

          Yep

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

        This

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

        Man Utd have not been 'ruined'. Still one of the Top 3 teams in the Premier League. Probably going to win the Europa League.

        You are upset because the money of Abramovich, Mansour, FSG broke up the de facto monopoly you had in the PL. You were all happy when the only title fight you were in was against Arsenal.

        If Man Utd were top of the PL and in the CL semi-final this protest would not have happened today.

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          The farce reality of competition!

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

        Believe it or not the best interests of united fans arent at the top of everyones priority list

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

          If it happened to your club you wouldn't be saying this

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

    United got a europa league final so a no go for me now with a fixture pile up

    Time to sell

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

      I quite like Fernandes to Aubameyang as a punt

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Time to close the season

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

    This guy in the top 10k is killing it

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/73800/event/34/

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

      Could still bag a 40.

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

      guy in my mini-league has got 4 points from 9 players so far!

    3. keefy59
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      This made me feel better 8 no shows !

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

    Only thing missing today is a Brewster hatty...yet...

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

      Don't you dare

  17. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I think Sky would want the game on tomorrow night for revenue purposes

    1. DF
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      And I think the coppers would want a day off for holiday purposes.

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      They already have two games.

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Its a bank Holiday here

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

      If it happens tomorrow (unlikely) it will be an afternoon ko

      1. keefy59
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        In view of what happened today & with tomorrow being a Bank Holiday it is very unlikely need to get a big police presence at very short notice

  18. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Salah captain Bruno vice would have been nice.

  19. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Man United have known about these planned protests for about a week yet never put in adequate security measures.

    The club was informed by Uniteds fan groups.

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

      They underestimated the fans.

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

      They intend to wait this happen and be happy now

    3. keefy59
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      What about the police surely they must have known

  20. elchilangles
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    outrageous behaviour by the Utd fans, don't they realize the damage this will do to my fantasy team which should obviously be the top priority here! Utd need to be docked points and probably relegated down to league 2 now!

    1. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds great, where do I sign?

  21. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Worlds colliding here...

    Part of me wants the game postponed again tomorrow for the benefit of the greater game but the other part of me knows that if it’s postponed again my fpl season is truly over...

  22. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I was happy to see the postponement for what it meant in my mini league. But just discovered that jota (don't own him) was benched and phillips (do own) passed fit - i am the worst affected by this in my mini league!

    Now I want it to play tomorrow. Same line-ups, please

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

      No chance.

  23. Alex_thekid
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Smooth:: Sold Jota this gw
    Rough:: For Willock who was ineligible to play ffs
    Might get away with it only have 3 in the match and have
    Veltman 6 & Targett 2 coming on and got points from Mendy and Cancelo when others had a lot that didn't play from city & Che

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

      Rough: HOW? WHY? WHA...???

  24. threeputt
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I wish I hadn't already hit my free hit button yesterday for gw35

  25. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    My ML rival taking Dunk, Burn points off bench..

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

    Another wildcard to be given to impacted players eh?

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

      😉

  27. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Yeah makes a farce of it, what is more annoying was that I saved a transfer.

    Covid19 ok I get, bad weather OK, protests its is taking the p.

    No matter who owns United or Liverpool they will always be businesses dressed up as football clubs. But many of both of the fans of those clubs have deluded themselves into thinking that they are 'more than a club'. It is their club etc.

    Makes it even more galling when the majority of supporters/consumers of those clubs are not even from England nevermind from Liverpool or Man Utd.

    Deluded simpletons they are and to make it even more annoying I have just listened to 15 minutes of SKY hypocrisy on a stream.

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

      Very well said

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

      If anything it makes us more of a fanbase to protest about how badly the club has been run. Are we supposed to sit down and take it? No chance.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Sit down and take it?

        How many years have fans of Man United and Liverpool being buying all sorts of merchandise with eblems attached to make the the club money.
        How many years have Man United and Liverpool being doing tours of Asia and America to make the club money?
        Both fanbases delighted at the money rolling in so they can make the next big signing.

        SKY and the fans are hypocrites in my view they both fell into the football business model decades ago.
        Big picture being ignored.

        The protests are merely a 'mickey waving' contest which will achieve little imo.

  28. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I give up.. chasing rivals in ML, just been overtaken for 2nd place, and was going in to today with Trent and Bruno as differentials to get back 2nd place.

  29. Scotch Jock
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Currently I have six points from ten players ☹️

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

    Kane resting those ankles up might calm things down a bit here...

    1. threeputt
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      with Bamford (vc) my calmness might be tested