Premier League confirm Man Utd fixture change for key April clash due to Aston Villa vs Arsenal decision

Manchester United's Premier League fixture at Bournemouth next month will now take place on Saturday, April 13 after being rearranged at less than a month’s notice.

United's trip to the Vitality Stadium had already been pencilled in for Sunday, April 14 after being picked by Sky Sports as the 4.30pm kick-off. However, one of the broadcaster's other picks for that weekend has had to be moved, with Arsenal vs Aston Villa now moving into that slot.

Villa's progression into the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League means they will host French side LOSC Lille on Thursday, April 11. As per Premier League rules, Unai Emery's side cannot play on the following Saturday.

Sky Sports have taken the decision to swap the fixtures round, meaning Bournemouth will now host United on the Saturday evening. The fixture will kick-off at 5.30pm and is live on Sky Sports.

The Premier League and its broadcasters have drawn criticism this season for rearranging fixtures at short notice, most notably the decision to change the day of Brentford's trip to Newcastle in September at two week's notice - a move the Football Supporters' Association labelled an 'entirely avoidable farce'.

United's trip to Bournemouth comes during what will be a crucial period in the race for Champions League football. April will also see Ten Hag's side travel to Chelsea, while Old Trafford will play host to meetings with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Burnley.

The Reds are nine points off Aston Villa in fourth-place but promising performances from other English teams in Europe has seen the Premier League's chances of a fifth qualification spot vastly improve in recent weeks. It is now likely that finishing fifth will secure Champions League football, with Tottenham Hotspur currently six points clear.

United return from the March international break with a trip to relegation-threatened Brentford before that crucial month of April. Their final three games in May are at home to Arsenal and away at Crystal Palace and Brighton. There is also an FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City to organise and a potential final at Wembley to finish the season.