Manchester United vs Man City FA Cup final could cause scheduling nightmare for ITV

Broadcasters ITV could face a scheduling nightmare if both Manchester United and Manchester City make it through to the FA Cup final.

Both teams made it through their quarter-finals over the weekend and booked their place at Wembley Stadium. City had a comfortable afternoon against Newcastle, while it was slightly more dramatic for United who scored in the last minute of extra time in a 4-3 victory over rivals Liverpool.

United have been drawn against Championship opposition in Coventry City in their semi-final, and will naturally be favourites. City will also be favourites to win their semi-final tie against Chelsea.

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If both teams make it through, then they will face a repeat of last year’s final. Goals from Ilkay Gundogan gave City a 2-1 win over United as City went on to win the treble.

That game was branded as a ‘high-risk’ fixture by the police, leading to the kick-off time being changed from the originally scheduled 5.30pm to 3pm. It’s something that could happen again this year, which would cause a headache for ITV who are due to show the game live.

The final is scheduled for Saturday, May 25, although a kick-off time is yet to be confirmed. If the police insist on a 3pm kick-off, then it will clash with ITV’s broadcast of the rugby union Champions Cup final which kicks off at 2.45pm at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is due to be shown live on the channel.

It is reported by the Times that the European Rugby Cup Ltd has no flexibility around possibly changing kick-off fir the final due to