Chelsea vs Man Utd FA Cup Replay Date Announced – Why Didn’t The FA Wait?

The FA have confirmed that Chelsea’s FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United will take place on Monday 1st April at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United looked to be heading for the semi-finals after going 2-0 up thanks to early goals from Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney during the initial tie on Sunday at Old Trafford. However, the holders refused to give up their trophy without a fight and forced a replay thanks to second half goals from Eden Hazard and Ramires rescued a 2-2 draw.

Both clubs now have agreed for the game to be replayed on Monday 1st April with kick off being 12.30pm. The winners of the clash will meet Premier League champions Manchester City in the semi final’s at Wembley.

Chelsea’s potential European commitments and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers meant there was no midweek date available for the FA Cup replay, and the new date means Rafa Benitez men will now play Southampton on Saturday 30th March instead of Sunday 31st.

The Londoners play the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie with Steaua Bucharest this Thursday and if they progress to the next stage they would be required to play on Thursday the 4th April. However, if they crash out surely they could have played United in the FA Cup on the Tuesday or Wednesday? So why didn’t the FA just wait until Thursday night before announcing the replay date?

Anyway, if Chelsea progress in Europe their Premier League clash with Southampton the following weekend would have to be put back from Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th April. It all means Chelsea could be forced to play four games in just 8 days if they see-off Steaua on Thursday, leaving the Blues with something of a fixture headache.

What do you make of the FA Cup replay date? Should the FA just have waited until later in the week to announce the replay date? Get involved in the comments section below.