- Manchester United find themselves with a light schedule throughout January
- They face the prospect of playing as few as two matches in the entire month
- Back off Erik ten Hag! Insipid Man United performances are on the players – not the manager – Listen to why on It’s All Kicking Off
Fans have been left perplexed at the fact Manchester United only have one Premier League game during the entire month of January – but there is an explanation.
Erik ten Hag’s side take on Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham on January 14 in the Premier League.
But they don’t feature again in the league until they travel to Wolves on Thursday, February 1.
The lighter schedule means that United could play just two total matches in the month of January.
Their only other game secured on the schedule is an FA Cup third round trip to face Wigan Athletic on January 8.
Manchester United are only slated to play one Premier League match during month of January
Erik ten Hag’s side have a lighter schedule that could see just two games in all competitions
In an explainer posted to their website, United explained that they only have one Premier League game on the calendar due to scheduling changes.
‘Our Premier League away clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers has been moved from Tuesday 30 January to Thursday 1 February, when it will kick off at 20:15 GMT and be shown on TNT Sports,’ United said.
The knock-on effect of that decision means that United’s home game against West Ham, which was originally slated for February 3, will now have to be rearranged.
There is the prospect United could add a third match to their light January schedule, provided they defeat League One Wigan.
Should Ten Hag’s side beat Wigan at the DW Stadium they would reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The fourth round matches are due to be held over the weekend of January 27-28.
With United unceremoniously dumped out of European football, just days after being embarrassed at home in the league in a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, a light schedule may bring some much-needed new year respite.
United are sixth in the Premier League after the opening 16 matches, losing seven of them.
They are six points adrift of the top four and 10 points shy of league leaders Arsenal
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