Pranav Nair
Manchester United may need to adapt to new FA Cup rule as COVID spreads
According to the Mirror, Manchester United may have to deal with an FA Cup rule change, thanks to the coronavirus.
According to the new rules, any team that cannot put together 14 players in their third-round matchday squad will have their games postponed. However, if the rescheduled date cannot be accommodated before the fourth, the inflicted team will be forced to forfeit the game.
Teams are allowed to selected youth players in their squads to make up the numbers.
United will face Championship side, Watford, in their third-round fixture this Saturday. The club currently have all their first-team stars fit sans Phil Jones.
The only major absentee is expected to be Edinson Cavani, who will miss the match as part of his three-match suspension.
United are on the verge of an extremely busy January, with their Carabao Cup semifinals and rescheduled fixture against Burnley to come. With the club involved heavily in the title race, every point will matter.
The last thing we need right now is another match rescheduled to add to our hectic timeline. While it could offer us immediate relief when it comes to downtime, it offers up a busier schedule as we head deeper into the season.
Watford had a low-level outbreak at the club in November where three first-team stars were consigned to 10-day isolation. As things stand, the game should go ahead without any issues.
United will however first need to negotiate the Carabao Cup semifinals against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand revels in Liverpool misery on Twitter
- Jurgen Klopp takes a swipe at Manchester United following Liverpool loss
- Manchester United given a free run at Sven Botman with Liverpool ending pursuit
With games set to come thick and fast, a busy schedule can prove to be a double-edged sword. While it can help us ride through with positive momentum, the impact of fatigue cannot be dismissed.
It was on show last season as we went deeper into the Europa League. The players looked out of sorts and looked to be struggling with their fitness. This despite our excellent form post restart.
Luck is a major factor when it comes to winning titles and hopefully, the scheduling Gods will be kind to us.
