Man Utd have Aston Villa fixture time changed after special request to Premier League… as Courteeners are playing gig

MANCHESTER UNITED'S clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on September 25 has been moved to a lunchtime kick-off as indie band The Courteeners are playing the nearby cricket ground in the evening.

The Premier League fixture, which was originally due to get underway at 3pm, will now begin at 12:30pm in order to avoid crowd and traffic congestion.


The Courteeners will then headline their gig at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground just a few hours after United have hosted their match.

A club statement read: “Our home match against Aston Villa on 25 September has been brought forward to a 12.30 BST kick-off, following a request from Trafford Council Safety Advisory Group to move the game due to the Courteeners concert at Lancashire Cricket Club, Emirates Old Trafford, on the same day.

“This request was supported by Greater Manchester Police and TfGM to avoid significant crowd, traffic and operational issues locally.

“We regret any disruption that this may cause around our supporters’ plans for the day.”

The fixture between Man Utd and Aston Villa looks set to be the first televised Premier League game at Old Trafford since the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 36-year-old superstar is expected to make his second debut for the Red Devils this weekend against Newcastle.

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However, the game will not be shown on TV as it is a 3pm and so is subject to the broadcast blackout.

That means the first chance supporters will have to watch him in a Prem game at Old Trafford on TV is when they take on Villa.

Three days earlier, they do host West Ham in an EFL Cup clash.

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After re-signing for the club, Ronaldo said: "Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday.

"I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again.

"I'm looking forward to joining up with the team after the international games, and I hope we have a very successful season ahead."

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