Are They Televising the Manchester Run in the FA Cup?
Manchester United’s upcoming FA Cup match against Reading marks their 55th consecutive game in the competition broadcast live on television. This impressive streak, spanning over a decade, continues a remarkable run for the Red Devils. But what about this year, Are They Televising The Manchester Run again? Yes, the Manchester United vs. Reading FA Cup match will be televised on BT Sport.
Manchester United FA Cup Celebration
Manchester United’s Unbroken Televised Streak in the FA Cup
Manchester United’s presence on television in the FA Cup dates back to January 2005, with a 2-0 victory over Exeter City. Since then, every single FA Cup match featuring Manchester United has been broadcast live, a testament to the club’s enduring popularity and the consistent demand for their games. This incredible run showcases the club’s enduring appeal and consistent performance in the competition.
Televising the FA Cup: Balancing Big Clubs and Smaller Teams
While the decision to broadcast the Manchester United game pleases fans, it sparks debate about the allocation of televised matches. Some argue that featuring prominent Premier League teams overshadows smaller clubs, potentially depriving them of valuable revenue and exposure. The FA Cup’s third round often presents a David versus Goliath narrative, with lower-league teams hoping for an upset against Premier League giants. However, the financial realities of broadcasting deals often favor the bigger clubs. This year is no exception with five of the Premier League’s “Big Six” having their games broadcast.
The 2024 FA Cup Third Round Televised Schedule: Is Manchester United Featured?
The FA Cup third round schedule confirms that the Manchester United vs. Reading match will be aired on BT Sport on Saturday, January 7th, at 12:30 PM. The full televised schedule for the third round includes:
- Friday, January 6th: West Ham United vs. Manchester City (7:55 PM, BBC)
- Saturday, January 7th: Manchester United vs. Reading (12:30 PM, BT Sport); Preston North End vs. Arsenal (5:30 PM, BT Sport)
- Sunday, January 8th: Liverpool vs. Plymouth Argyle or Newport County (1:30 PM, BT Sport); Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa (4:00 PM, BBC)
- Monday, January 9th: Cambridge United vs. Leeds United (7:45 PM, BT Sport)
The prominence of Premier League teams in the televised matches reflects the competition’s structure and the broadcasting agreements in place.
The FA Cup Third Round Draw: A Look at the Matchups
The FA Cup third-round draw often generates excitement for potential upsets and intriguing matchups. This year, while Manchester City’s clash with West Ham stands out, other pairings, such as Arsenal’s visit to Preston North End, offer a glimpse into the FA Cup’s historical significance. The draw also includes matches like Everton vs. Leicester City and potentially Liverpool against a lower-league opponent, highlighting the diverse range of teams participating in the competition.
