Manchester United are set for a delay to resume their Premier League campaign - but Erik ten Hag and his players will lace up their boots against European opponents Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday afternoon.
After humbling defeats to Brighton and Brentford in their opening two games, United have since claimed 12 points against Liverpool, Southampton, rock-bottom Leicester City and Arsenal to revive early-season optimism. However, by the time they next play in the main competition, almost a month will have passed between league meetings.
Following the Queen's death last Thursday afternoon, a decision was taken to postpone all Premier League games over the weekend as United were scheduled to visit Crystal Palace. However, their midweek match against Spanish opponents Real Sociedad did take place amid guidance from relative authorities.
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United were beaten 1-0 in that Europa League showdown and will play against Sheriff Tiraspol in their next Group E fixture on Thursday afternoon (5.45pm). Initially, there had been some doubt there before United and the governing body UEFA stepped in to provide an update for supporters heading to Moldova.
Back to domestic matters and United were among the Premier League clubs to get the green light to resume their season this coming weekend. However, that was only on the proviso each game could be policed to standards and that was the reason for their now-confirmed postponement against Leeds.
United were due to take on their rivals from across the M62 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (2pm).
Now that game has been postponed, Ten Hag and his players will jet out to Moldova for a midweek challenge - and their next Premier League match will come against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, October 2 at 2pm in front of the Sky Sports cameras. By the time that date rolls around, United will have gone 28 days between fixtures in the domestic competition.
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