Plans in place for delayed start to next PL season
THE Premier League is aiming to start the 2020-21 season in late August or early September.
Plans are under way to resume the current campaign in June with the remaining 92 fixtures played behind closed doors.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters is now hopeful of finishing this season in July.
“There will come a point when next season becomes difficult to schedule. We are not at that point yet,” Masters said. “The June return and July finish leaves time for a break for other competitions to be completed and start the season towards the end of August or very early September.
“Obviously what we want to do is ensure the season is completed in a way which preserves other competitions, but also preserves our ability to start and deliver 38 match rounds next season in a proper calendar.
“Given we are trying to get the season away in a slightly truncated situation, we may look at some interesting scheduling options. Nothing we can confirm yet, but we’ve got to make it work for everybody.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised British nationals against ‘all but essential international travel’ and pre-season tours have been all but scrapped.
Meanwhile, United keepers reported at the club’s Carrington training complex for final checks yesterday before a planned return to training today.
David de Gea, Sergio Romero, and Lee Grant all arrived at 3pm and other players were scheduled to turn up later in the day.
It is possible the full United squad could report in stages today as they resume small group training.