Could Chelsea vs. Manchester United Now Be the Ultimate Fixture on the Eve of the Women’s FA Cup Final?
April 17, 2025
In a significant twist to the Premier League schedule, Chelsea's highly anticipated match against Manchester United has been relocated to avoid a clash with the Women’s FA Cup final. Initially set for Sunday, 18 May, the fixture will now be held on Friday, 16 May at 20:00 BST. The move comes amidst growing recognition of the Women’s FA Cup as a key event in the football calendar, highlighting the increasing prominence of women’s football.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer during a match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, November 2023.
The FA's commitment to ensuring that top-tier men's matches do not overshadow significant women's fixtures was originally outlined at the start of the season when they stated there would be no Premier League games on the Friday before the men’s FA Cup final. However, the scheduling dilemma arose as both Chelsea and Manchester United had made it to the Women’s FA Cup final, scheduled for the same day as the originally planned match.
This decision has been met with mixed reactions. On one hand, it reflects the Premier League's willingness to adapt and support the women’s game, acknowledging the growing interest and significance of women's football. On the other hand, critics argue it is a breach of the FA’s promise to allow for a sufficient focus on the upcoming men’s final.
In terms of fan experience, the rearrangement is undeniably beneficial. Supporters can rally behind both their teams during the Premier League clash and then enjoy the spectacle of the Women’s FA Cup final without the dilemma of conflicting schedules. Chelsea reached the women’s final after a commanding victory over Liverpool, while Manchester United overcame Manchester City to secure their place, promising a thrilling encounter at Wembley.
The Premier League's adjustments extend beyond just the Chelsea-Manchester United fixture. Other notable changes include Liverpool's away match against Brighton being postponed until Monday, 19 May, ensuring they receive proper television coverage. Meanwhile, Everton's final home match against Southampton is set for noon on the same Sunday, coinciding with commemorations as the team prepares for a new stadium.
Amid this scheduling frenzy, the Premier League has issued an apology for the delayed announcement of the fixtures, citing the complexities in timing due to teams’ involvement in various competitions. Clearly, the logistics of modern football remain challenging, but the emphasis on promoting women’s football and creating compelling narratives within the sport continues to evolve.
As fans prepare for an exciting weekend of sports on 16 and 18 May, the anticipation for two matches featuring Chelsea and Manchester United underscores a pivotal moment for football. As discussions around inclusivity and representation in sports gain momentum, the rearranged fixtures are a welcome step towards valuing women's football as equally important within the footballing landscape.
What do you think about the Premier League's decision to move the match? Is the shift a sign of progress for women's football, or does it raise concerns about scheduling promises made by the FA? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below!
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