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Erik ten Hag laments the Premier League’s “unfair” scheduling, insisting it is “not fair” that Manchester United continue to be given early and late games

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Erik ten Hag laments the Premier League’s “unfair” scheduling, insisting it is “not fair” that Manchester United continue to be given early and late games

  • Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says scheduling is unfair to players and fans
  • Ten Hag’s Red Devils have already played two lunchtime kick-offs this season
  • LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday

By Nathan Salt

Published: | Updated:

Erik ten Hag criticised the Premier League for its unfair scheduling on Saturday, insisting it is “not right” that Manchester United continue to be allocated slots at the start and end of matches.

Ten Hag’s side have already had to make do with two 12.30pm kick-offs on the south coast, at Brighton and here against Southampton, in the opening four games of the Premier League season.

Last season they had 8pm games against Crystal Palace, Brentford and Chelsea, and next week they will travel to Selhurst Park at 5.30pm to face Palace.

“First of all, for the fans it’s very unfair to have to deal with this, with away games at 8pm on a Saturday night, the 12.30pm one, it’s not good, but they’re still there,” said Ten Hag.

“I’m so proud of our fans, they’re always there, no matter what happens on the pitch, they always support the team and there’s a really good connection.

Erik ten Hag laments the Premier League’s “unfair” scheduling, insisting it is “not fair” that Manchester United continue to be given early and late games

Erik ten Hag has criticised Premier League organisers, saying their match schedules are unfair

“They bring a great atmosphere to Old Trafford and also to away games. I think the Premier League should pay attention to that.”

Asked whether United’s fixture list represents a major disadvantage against their rivals, Ten Hag is convinced it works against his players despite a 3-0 win here.

“It’s a big disadvantage, but we have to deal with it like they did today,” he added.

“The team is mature, it doesn’t matter, we always have to win, we can’t find excuses.”

Having lost two of their opening three games, this was a must-win game and after Andre Onana’s first-half save to deny Cameron Archer, United scored twice before the break through Matthjis de Ligt and Marcus Rashford.

Ten Hag claims current scheduling system gives his Manchester United team a 'big disadvantage'

Ten Hag claims current scheduling system gives his Manchester United team a ‘big disadvantage’

Alejandro Garnacho sealed Manchester United's 3-0 win with a powerful strike deep into added time.

Alejandro Garnacho sealed Manchester United’s 3-0 win with a powerful strike deep into added time.

Alejandro Garnacho put the icing on the cake with a goal late in added time and Ten Hag is confident his side can only improve from there.

“You see, in the games since the Community Shield, this team is growing, it still needs time,” said the United boss.

“We have to build this team. We will do it, but it will be hard work.”