MANCHESTER UNITED face a fixture headache next year thanks to their Europa League knockout double header.
That’s because there’s now no room in the schedule to rearrange postponed Premier League games against Crystal Palace and Leeds.
The Red Devils will have to endure an eliminator to reach the next stage of the Europa League after finishing second in their group.
United had to beat Real Sociedad by at least two goals in last night’s match.
But Erik ten Hag’s men could only win 1-0, leaving them runners-up.
And they will now play a two-legged knockout against a Champions League dropout.
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Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon, RB Salzburg, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sevilla and Juventus are all moving down.
And United face a tough test to reach the next stage of the competition.
The Europa League knockouts begin on February 14.
But ESPN reports there is now no natural room for United to play Crystal Palace and Leeds.
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Both games were postponed earlier this season due to the Queen’s death.
And thanks to their Europa knockout, United are now solidly booked in each midweek and weekend slot.
There could be some joy further down the line, as two of those dates have been put aside for FA Cup replays.
But that’s only if United, plus whichever opponent they are due to face, come through their original tie unscathed.
Some dates are also reserved for the Carabao Cup, yet the same theory applies.
And Premier League beaks will now have to put their heads together to figure out just how United can fulfil their games against Palace and Leeds.
The headache comes during the busiest season ever, which is down to the Qatar World Cup being played in winter.
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Numerous teams are starting to pick up injuries after playing every three-to-four days.
And with several games left before the domestic season is paused, there could be more setbacks to come.
