Manchester United supporters face significant travel disruption after their December match at Crystal Palace was moved to a 7pm Sunday kick-off, one of the rarest start times in the Premier League calendar. The game at Selhurst Park, scheduled for a Sunday night, means the final whistle will sound close to 9pm, while the last train from London Euston to Manchester departs at 8.53pm.
TV Picks Force Rare Sunday Night Slot
Sky Sports and TNT Sports have confirmed their desired broadcast slots, with the Premier League releasing the fixture list and subsequent changes for the early weeks of December. TNT Sports holds the rights to this fixture, which would typically be shown at 12.30pm on a Saturday.
However, Crystal Palace face Jagiellonia in Poland on the Thursday of that week, and their need to recover from the European trip has impacted the scheduling of their weekend game.
Travel Options Limited for Away Supporters
Fans hoping to use the train for the round trip to the capital will find their options all but eliminated. With the match ending at roughly 9pm, the 8.53pm departure from Euston is the last service back to Manchester, meaning travelling supporters must either drive back late at night or stay overnight in London, which could require taking the Monday off work.
United will return to the capital just seven days later to face Arsenal at the Emirates, a 4.30pm kick-off on the Sunday before the Premier League's festive fixture schedule begins.
Festive Period Adds to Scheduling Pressures
United have two home games between Christmas and New Year, hosting Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on December 27 before welcoming Sunderland three days later. The club had been among those urging Premier League officials and broadcasters to confirm December's televised matches at the earliest possible date to make planning easier for fans.
The Christmas period is particularly challenging for match-goers due to reduced public transport services, limited hotel availability and high demand for tickets.
