Why Manchester United are not playing in the Premier League this weekend

Manchester United are enjoying a rare weekend off as Erik ten Hag’s side take part in the Premier League January break.

United are among the 10 teams to be sitting out the second half of ‘gameweek 21’ as part of the January break permitted to the entire top-flight. All five games this weekend will be televised, starting with Arsenal against Crystal Palace this afternoon.

Ten Hag’s side were last in action last Sunday when they played out a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford were both on target in front of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United currently find themselves in seventh place in the Premier League table, eight points adrift of the top four places. However, they could find themselves further adrift of the Champions League places by the time they return to Premier League action against Wolverhampton Wanderers next month.

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The Premier League’s next full set of fixtures will be played in midweek, between January 30 and February 1. However, before then, United face a trip to Wales to take on Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Even though United may not be in Premier League action, Marc Skinner’s women’s team will take centre stage in the Women’s Super League. United face Emma Willis’ Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the team’s first WSL fixture of 2024.

United claimed a 5-0 win over Newcastle in the FA Women’s Cup last Sunday. The club are in fourth place in the WSL table and seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea after 10 games.