Manchester United have announced that the Carabao Cup clash against Burnley will be played in front of a reduced capacity due to unavailability of ambulance service personnel on the day.
Erik ten Hag's side return to action against the Championship side on December 21, just three days after the World Cup final. It will be the Reds' first competitive match since the Premier League win over Fulham on November 13.
However, the game will now be played in front of a reduced crowd because of industrial action affecting North West Ambulance Service. The club stated that it had been advised by safety authorities to reduce the capacity at Old Trafford.
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It means that the top tier of the Stretford End and North Stand will be shut for the fixture - leaving around 12,000 fans who had bought tickets for the tie unable to attend.
United released a statement on the club's website on Thursday (December 15) announcing the news, and with the game currently sold out, the Reds have offered thousands of affected supporters a full refund.
The full statement read: "Due to the unavailability of ambulance service personnel as a result of a day of industrial action affecting North West Ambulance Service taking place on Wednesday, December 21, the club has been advised by safety authorities to reduce the capacity of our Carabao Cup fixture against Burnley.
"The club has worked hard to develop a medical plan which will enable us to allow approximately 62,000 fans to be in attendance, but with West Stand tier 2 and North Stand tier 3 required to be closed.
"These areas were the only possible options for achieving the required reduction whilst meeting the robust medical plan requested by the authorities.
"It was not possible to move the match to another date due to the unavailability of other key public services and matchday staff over the Christmas period, the conclusion of stadium works during the World Cup break, as well as the existing fixture schedule of both teams.
"Everyone at Manchester United shares the inevitable disappointment caused by this news, particularly to those ticket holders who will be impacted. However, the safety of our fans is always our priority.
"As the match is currently sold out, we have written to fans tonight in the affected areas offering the option of a full refund.
"No action is required from fans with tickets in other areas of the ground at this time. We will provide a further update tomorrow detailing next steps.
"We will do our utmost to relocate anyone who is impacted and has not chosen to accept a refund, prioritising Full and Cup Season Ticket holders."
Ten Hag's side secured a 4-2 victory over Aston Villa in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.
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