Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Manchester United vs Leeds fixture postponed ahead of the Queen's funeral

Manchester United's fixture against Leeds United, due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed.

The whole football pyramid from the Premier League down to even children's football was suspended last weekend as a mark of respect following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. United were supposed to face off against Crystal Palace but the match will now be played at a later date which has not yet been decided.

Now United have seen another game called off as the scheduled visit of Leeds United on Sunday has been put back due to a shortage of police officers ahead of the Queen's funeral on Monday, September 19. It was thought that games in London would be at the greatest risk but United have also fallen victim.

Read more: Exclusive: Ten Hag overseeing wrong-footed training sessions

The visit of Leeds to Old Trafford is considered a 'category A' fixture, which would require extra policing than other matches.

Liverpool's visit to Chelsea and Brighton's fixture against Crystal Palace are also off, with the remaining seven fixtures confirmed as being on.

A Manchester United statement said: "Following extensive conversations with the Premier League, Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council, the decision has been made to postpone Manchester United's Premier League fixture against Leeds United, scheduled to take place at Old Trafford at 14:00 BST on Sunday 18 September.

"This is due to Greater Manchester Police supporting forces across the United Kingdom at locations and events of high significance following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"The club reiterates that the safety and security of our fans is paramount and, after considering all available options, we are supportive of the decision that was made in conjunction with the relevant authorities.

"Please note, tickets already purchased for the game will remain valid for the new match date and we will contact ticket holders directly with further information when it is available.

"We appreciate the disappointment and inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and continued support.

"The fixture will now be rescheduled and updated details will follow in due course."

The Premier League said in a statement: "Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures.

"The Premier League would like to thank the UK Football Policing Unit and other police forces across the country, as well as our broadcast partners, for their support during this process, and will continue to liaise with them ahead of the weekend.

"For the matches being played during the period of National Mourning, tributes will be paid to The Queen at Premier League stadiums.

"New dates for the postponed matches will be announced in due course."

Chief Inspector Nicholas Hill, of GMP’s Specialist Operations Planning Unit, said: “Greater Manchester Police is supporting forces across the United Kingdom in keeping people safe at locations and events of high-significance following the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“We have plans in place to ensure we can provide this support whilst effectively serving our own communities.

“We are also working with partner agencies to consider the viability of un-related but exceptionally large events in Greater Manchester. This includes the Manchester United vs. Leeds fixture, which has been postponed with the support of the Safety Advisory Group and the club.”

Erik Ten Hag's side's trip to Moldova to face FC Sheriff in the Europa League this Thursday hasn't been impacted, however, and will go ahead as planned. United kicked off their European campaign against Real Sociedad, losing 1-0, just a few hours after the Queen's death, with a minute's silence being observed at Old Trafford ahead of kick-off.

  • All the latest United news and views
  • Barca beef and shocking Rangnick - how United recovered in transfer window
  • Five key areas Ten Hag has improved at United
  • Why Shaw has been missing for United
  • Van de Beek has to follow Ten Hag's advice at United
  • Sign up to read this article
    Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
    Already a member? Sign in here
    Related Stories
    Top stories on inkl right now
    One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
    Already a member? Sign in here
    Our Picks
    Fourteen days free
    Download the app
    One app. One membership.
    100+ trusted global sources.