Manchester United FC

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• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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United reject Xmas Eve plan

09 Nov 2007 - 13:24:47

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Manchester United have rejected a proposal to switch their Premier League clash with Everton to 8pm on Christmas Eve, describing the idea as "a non-starter".

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that broadcasters Setanta approached the club with the idea to move their fixture with the Toffees from Saturday December 22 to an evening slot on Christmas Eve.

But the champions dismissed the suggestion and the game will now be played on Sunday December 23 with a noon kick-off.

"The club were asked to play and it was a non-starter. Who wants to play on Christmas Eve?" said Ferguson.

"The players will be wanting to get their Christmas presents out for their children. That was an easy one to decide."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has revealed he intends to use injury-prone striker Louis Saha as an impact substitute in the mould of recently retired club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"The situation Louis finds himself in with his knee condition means he won't play every game," the veteran boss added. "The dilemma is whether to start him or bring him on.

"If you look at the composition of the side, he is different from everyone else, so he makes a bigger impact as a substitute.

"He makes a great impact. Therefore my inclination is to use him as a sub. He's fine with that."