The highly anticipated Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United, scheduled for Sunday, 5 January 2025 is under threat of postponement due to severe weather conditions sweeping across the United Kingdom.
UPDATE: In a statement, the Premier League confirmed that “following two safety meetings to assess the weather and travel conditions, Liverpool v Man Utd will go ahead today at Anfield as planned.” Read the original story below.
Liverpool vs Man United: Postponement looms over Anfield clash
According to reports, officials from Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, and both clubs are currently assessing the safety of the fixture.
A final decision is expected before noon on match day.
The scale of the disruption in the region, including transportation and stadium access, has added pressure to postpone the fixture, though no official announcement has been made yet.
Severe snowstorm grips the UK
The UK has been hit by heavy snowfall and freezing rain, prompting an amber weather warning for snow and ice across large parts of the north, including Liverpool.
According to the UK Met Office, snowfall of up to 25cm has blanketed parts of northern England, with icy conditions making roads treacherous.
The extreme weather has already disrupted multiple aspects of daily life:
- Air Travel: Runways at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport were closed temporarily due to snow accumulation. Delays and cancellations have impacted flights across the country.
- Road and Rail: Public transport networks, including rail services, are operating at reduced capacity. Authorities have advised against all non-essential travel in affected areas.
- Sporting Events: Lower-league football matches, including Chesterfield vs. Gillingham, have been called off.
Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium, though equipped to handle moderate weather, may not be immune to the logistical challenges posed by these conditions.
For South African fans, the Liverpool vs. Manchester United rivalry is a marquee event that garners widespread attention. If the match goes ahead as planned, it will kick off at 18:30 PM SAST on Sunday evening.