Real reason why Manchester United and City’s first games of the season are postponed (See all 2020/21 fixtures)
Manchester United and Manchester City will not be required to compete in the opening weekend of the 2020-21 Premier League campaign following their European commitments this past season, the Times newspaper has said.
Man City’s season came to an end on Aug. 15 with a 3-1 defeat by Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League quarter-finals, while Man United’s season concluded following their Europa League semi-final loss to Sevilla a day later.
The Premier League season is set to begin on September 12 and with teams requiring at least a 30-day break before their first match, City and United will likely play their opening game at a later date to be announced.
However, Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were knocked out of the Europa League by Sevilla on August 11 — 32 days before the start of the new season — will be required to play on the opening weekend. City ended the 2019-20 season in second place, 15 points ahead of third-placed United.
