Why Man Utd's first Europa League game is on Wednesday

Manchester United’s Europa League campaign gets underway this week, but instead of the traditional Thursday night, the game will be played on Wednesday.

United host Dutch opposition in the form of FC Twente at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag’s side qualified for the Europa League thanks to winning the FA Cup last season.

For supporters, it’s a change from the usual Europa League setting, with many used to playing on Thursdays in Europe’s second-tier competition.

It will be the only time Manchester United play on a Wednesday, with every other Europa League fixture the Red Devils are involved in scheduled for the more traditional Thursday slot.

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Manchester United v Barnsley - Carabao Cup Third Round — Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Man United’s Europa League fixtures to begin with twist

This season has seen a complete revamp to the three UEFA competitions.

Instead of the old format, which saw teams placed into groups of four and play each other twice, clubs will now be in a 36-team league.

Those who finish in the top eight will guarantee themselves a place in the round of 16 whereas those who finish between ninth-24th will proceed to a two-legged knockout tie to secure passage to the last 16.

Anyone 25th and below will be eliminated and unlike previous years, where those who finished third would drop to the Conference League, their European campaign will come to an end.

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With the new changes, there are more fixtures too. Each side will play eight games in total and to give each competition the publicity it deserves, the opening game weeks have been split across three weeks.

Last week saw the Champions League begin, and this week will see the Europa League split across Wednesday and Thursday.

United’s fixture was chosen as one of the games for the opening night of the league phase, kicking off at 8:00 PM (BST).

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Man United’s Europa League fixtures

After starting their campaign against FC Twente, United will be on the road for their next two Europa League games, facing FC Porto before a reunion with Jose Mourinho and former United midfielders Fred and Sofyan Amrabat at Fenerbahçe.

The Red Devils then return to Old Trafford for back-to-back home games against PAOK of Greece and Bodø/Glimt from Norway.

Ten Hag’s side then face Czech opposition in Viktoria Plzeň away from home in December before rounding their campaign off in January against Rangers and FCSB.