Why Man United are made to kick off late at Bournemouth as Premier League confirms postponement

Manchester United's Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium next month has been handed a new date.

United, who progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals in dramatic fashion on Sunday afternoon, beating Liverpool 4-3 at Old Trafford, were scheduled to face the Cherries on Sunday, April 14. The contest was selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports last month and was given a kick-off time of 4.30pm.

However, the Premier League, at the time, warned it could still take place on Saturday, April 13, due to Aston Villa's potential progress in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Villa progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition last week, beating Ajax, setting up a tie with Lille in the last eight, with the first leg to be played on Thursday, April 11.

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As a result, Villa's trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Saturday, April 13, which was scheduled to kick-off at 5.30pm, cannot take place in that slot. Clubs will rarely play twice within a 48-hour period, except in extreme circumstances, such as during the busy Christmas and New Year period.

Therefore, the clashes between Arsenal and Villa and Bournemouth and United have been switched over, meaning the Reds will now make the long trip south on April 13 for a 5.30pm kick-off. Villa will now lock horns with Arsenal at 4.30pm the following day. Both games will still be shown live on Sky Sports.

Meanwhile, the Premier League has confirmed the postponement of United's clash with Newcastle United at Old Trafford the following weekend, due to the Reds'