Sport

Why Manchester United’s game is postponed but others aren’t this weekend

Seven out of the ten Premier League games are still going ahead.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 13th September 2022

Many football fans have been left scratching their heads after three out of the ten Premier League matches this weekend have once again been postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II – one of which is Manchester United‘s home game against Leeds United, originally scheduled for Sunday 18 September.

It was fairly unsurprising that last weekend’s raft of fixtures were cancelled following the Queen’s passing on Thursday, but punters have now been left confused by this latest decision that also sees Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion’s match against Crystal Palace postponed.

However, although most were quick to assume that the FA are choosing to prolong their period of respect, this rationale makes little sense when just six teams have been impacted.

As it turns out, the matter is more to do with policing.

Reduced police resource

As explained in the Prem’s full statement, despite seven out of ten games going ahead as normal: “Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures.”

Put simply, Premier League matches are classified as Category A, B or C in advance of every season: A being the lowest risk of fan disorder and C the highest. Beyond that there is also ER (enhanced resources), which are reserved for the biggest of derbies when trouble is expected and more than 500 local officers are often deployed.

Both United v Leeds (a historic rivalry) and Liverpool v Chelsea have been classified as Category A this year; meanwhile, Brighton’s derby against Palace on Saturday was already in doubt following rail strikes and has now faced the chop due to further exceptional circumstances surrounding the Queen’s funeral.

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As a result of Monday’s state funeral, hundreds of police are set to be reassigned to London and as a retired chief superintendent turned lecturer told The Athletic, not only will these officers ‘be there for as long as the Met think they’re needed’ but cities are also planning their own commemorations, obviously creating a ‘second draw on resources’.

While the organisation goes on to thank the UK Football Policing Unit, local police forces and broadcast partners for liaising with them during this difficult time, fans of the affected clubs have been less than impressed by the decision.

Some have even posed the possibility of playing the games behind closed doors – another suggestion which hasn’t gone down well:

Notwithstanding any further unseen developments, the remainder of Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s games are due to go ahead, with kick-off being moved for the likes of Brentford v Arsenal and Everton v West Ham.

It is worth noting, however, that grounds still hosting matches this weekend are still likely to see a reduced police presence due to the surrounding events, leading many to argue that if further postponement was necessary then it should be a catch-all decision or not at all.

Featured Image – Manchester United (via Instagram)

Sport

Jonny Evans is staying at Manchester United after retirement

Danny Jones Danny Jones Jonny Evans is staying on at Manchester United in a youth staff role

Recently retired defender Jonny Evans is reportedly staying at Manchester United after hanging up his boots as a player and is set to remain in a new staff role at the club.

Evans enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in red after returning to Old Trafford back in 2023 on a short-term deal that was initially intended as a way of him regaining fitness whilst helping Man United out on their pre-season tour.

Fast-forward to 2025, and he’s made another 43 appearances for the team, a whole eight years on from his first spell, with his temporary contract made permanent under Erik ten Hag and playing a number of games under Ruben Amorim as well.

However, having picked up an injury in the previous campaign and now at 37 years old, his second stint wasn’t going to last forever; as per The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell, Evans will now take up a staff job at United, dealing primarily with young players.

The Stockport-born journalist explains that the Northern Irish centre-back will be operating in a youth development role, focusing specifically on youth loans and bedding academy products into other clubs.

As an academy graduate himself, his knowledge of the system and wealth of expertise as a veteran of the senior game have seen him identified as an ideal candidate for the task.

With yet another round of redundancies around the organisation earlier this year, and with academy director Nick Cox leaving the setup after nearly a decade at the club last week, his arrival in the post has come at a crucial time.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the INEOS Group and CEO Omar Berrada have all faced heavy criticism for trimming the workforce despite paying off heavy sums owed on players and coaches no longer at the club, as well as continuing to try and spend in the summer window.

A number of unpopular decisions are already directly impacting the supporters, too.

The 81-year-old Red being forced to give up his seat after nearly half a cenutry
It isn’t just the staff that are being hit by the cutbacks and business decisions.

Nevertheless, retaining the cult favourite club servant has been met with a much better reception.

Whitwell explains that “United see Evans as a valuable asset for his character, professionalism and experience of winning trophies, and feel a role in bridging the pathway between academy and senior football suits him.”

Plus, with Mathues Cunha already brought into the club and progress being made in the deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo, there is plenty of reason for fans to be positive.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the transfer market, the likes of Jadon Sancho, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have all been linked with permanent moves away, which could help them finance the recruitment behind the potential rebuild.

Nevertheless, much like part of the furniture, Evans is staying right where he is.

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Featured Images — Manchester United (via MUFC website)

Sport

Wigan Athletic make statement signing after grabbing Wrexham’s Paul Mullin on loan

Danny Jones Danny Jones Paul Mullin joins Wigan Athletic on loan

Wigan Athletic have pulled over a big transfer in the summer window, albeit only temporarily for now, as they have managed to acquire the services of Wrexham AFC striker Paul Mullin on loan.

The Merseyside-born marksman, who has been instrumental in helping lift Wrexham from the depths of the National League and into the Championship (the first time they’ve been back in the second division since 1977/78), joins the Latics on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Mullin may be gradually entering the latter end of his career, but he has proved time and again that he can score, managing to chip in with a respectable half dozen goal contributions even amidst a lengthy period out following back surgery and a subsequent shin injury.

The 30-year-old is the third signing for Wigan so far in 2025, following the likes of incomings Fraser Murray, a left-sided Scottish midfielder from Kilmarnock, and fellow forward Christian Saydee from Portsmouth, but he’s no doubt the one who’s caught the most attention.

A regular hero in the well-documented and Hollywood-backed Welcome to Wrexham story, Paul Mullin has notched an unbelievable 110 goals in 172 games, boasting a combined goal contribution tally of 223 across multiple English clubs up and down the football pyramid in just over a decade as a professional.

Put simply, he scores goals wherever he goes.

Commenting on the move, Mullin said via club media: “I’m excited for the next part of my story. The Gaffer has outlined his plan for the season, and I’m hoping to take his trust into the season and make it a really successful one. As a player, I give absolutely everything and work as hard as I can. 

“I’ve scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the Club that I’m playing for, and I’m going to do that again with Wigan.”

Bidding a brief goodbye to his parent club, he responded to their announcement by adding: “All the best this season! Keep the train rolling.”

Although he’s no stranger to the North West – having been born in Litherland, Sefton and played for both Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers – Wigan Athletic is the first spell at a Greater Manchester club for Mullin. The move will also see him face familiar local foes like Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers.

It’s fair to say that, as well as finding the net pretty regularly throughout his career, he’s managed to pick up a number of accolades along the way, too, especially during his time with Wrexham.

Much-admired rising coach Ryan Lowe, who was snapped up by Wigan Athletic amidst the flurry of names linked last March, said in the official club statement: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to sign Paul. He’ll be a great addition to the group and is a player who is a proven goal scorer in the EFL. 

“He has won promotion in his last three seasons with Wrexham AFC and will add firepower, know-how and experience to the group, which is really important. He is here because he is hungry to score more goals, win games and contribute to Wigan Athletic Football Club.”

“Paul is the type of character we want in the dressing room, and his experience will help support the team on and off the pitch.”

Supporters of The Red Dragons might be sad to see him go, but you’ve got to be happy with this one, right, ‘Tics?

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Featured Images — Wigan Athletic

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