Manchester United have confirmed that their Europa League fixture against Moldovan side FC Sheriff will go ahead on Thursday.
All Premier League, Football League and Women’s Super League matches have been postponed this weekend as a sign of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away aged 96 at Balmoral on Thursday. United were originally scheduled to play Crystal Palace at 4.30pm on Sunday afternoon, but will now be granted more time off after their 1-0 defeat by Real Sociedad.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country. As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.
"This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
United’s opening Europa League match of the campaign went ahead on Thursday night against Real Sociedad, just 90 minutes after the Queen’s death was announced, on UEFA’s orders and the club has now confirmed that the next fixture in the competition will continue as planned, at 5.45pm UK time on September 15 in Moldova.
“Following discussions with the relevant governing bodies and in line with guidance issued by the UK Government, we can confirm our UEFA Europa League fixture against FC Sheriff will take place as scheduled on Thursday evening in Moldova,” United said in a statement on Friday evening. “Match arrangements will remain the same for fans who are travelling to support the team in Chisinau.”
The United Kingdom is now undertaking an official 17-day period of mourning for the Queen. The new King, Charles III, announced on Friday that a period of Royal Mourning will be observed until seven days after the Queen’s Funeral.
The Royal Mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, royal household staff and representatives of the royal household on official duties, together with troops committed to ceremonial duties. There is no official guidance for sports and football is expected to return to normal next weekend.
United’s defeat by Real Sociedad came after a four-game winning streak in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag’s side were downed at Old Trafford after Lisandro Martinez was penalised for handball, with Brais Mendez netting the resulting penalty.
Sheriff, who famously beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu in the Champions League last September, opened their Europa League campaign with a 3-0 win over Omonia Nicosia from Cyprus on Thursday night. They are therefore top of Group E after the opening round of fixtures.
