Premier League confirmed Thursday Manchester United will host Newcastle United in the only topflight Boxing Day match in 2025, marking the most dramatic break from English football’s festive tradition since World War II.
Old Trafford stages the 8:00 PM kick-off on Friday, December 26th. This will become the fewest Boxing Day Premier League fixtures in history, with nine remaining Gameweek matches shifted to December 27th and 28th to satisfy broadcasting demands.
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This unprecedented reduction stems from Boxing Day landing on a Friday, along with expanded European competitions creating heavy calendar congestion. Under current broadcast contracts, Premier League must deliver 33 weekend rounds and only five midweek rounds each season.
“The Premier League would like to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to a reduced number of matches on Boxing Day this season — impacting an important tradition in English football,” the league said on Friday. “The League can give an assurance that next season there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day, as the date falls on a Saturday.”
The statement also addressed the wider fixture complexities that have affected the release of the full festive schedule. “We understand the importance of Boxing Day football to supporters,” the league added. “However, due to scheduling constraints and the coordination of multiple competitions, including the FA Cup and European tournaments, a reduced programme this season was unavoidable.”
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League officials said expanded European club schedules forced domestic fixture model adjustments last season, including FA Cup format changes, to manage growing logistical pressure across England’s football calendar.