Manchester United's 12-year streak of 58 televised FA Cup matches will finally come to an end

The club's third-round tie with Derby County has not been selected among the six matches to be shown on television

Lawrence Ostlere
Thursday 07 December 2017 16:58 GMT
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Manchester United will not be one of the teams shown during the third round
Manchester United will not be one of the teams shown during the third round (Getty Images)

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Manchester United's streak of 58 consecutive FA Cup matches broadcast live on television will come to an end in January.

The club's third-round tie with Derby County has not been selected among the six matches to be shown on television, which will be split between BT Sport and the BBC, ending a run stretching back 12 years since 2005.

Broadcasters' consistency in showing United on television has long been controversial and viewed as a missed opportunity to show lower-league clubs who might not normally be televised.

The Old Trafford club typically draw a large audience but in the wake of last season's backlash over the decision to show United's match against Reading instead of non-league Sutton United's rare clash with AFC Wimbledon, broadcasters have decided to show alternatives including Shrewsbury Town's home tie against West Ham.

The third round's opening long weekend will begin on Friday 5 January with a Merseyside derby at Anfield, to be shown live on the BBC, and will wrap up on Monday January 8 when Brighton play fierce rivals Crystal Palace at the Amex on BT Sport.

The holders Arsenal begin their defence of the Cup at Nottingham Forest, which will also be shown on BT Sport, which will also show the Premier League champions Chelsea at Norwich City.

Newport County's home tie against Leeds United will also be broadcast live on BBC Wales.

FA Cup third-round games to be broadcast

Friday, January 5

Liverpool v Everton (BBC One)

Saturday, January 6

Fleetwood Town/Hereford v Leicester City (BBC One)

Norwich City vs Chelsea (BT Sport 1)

Sunday, January 7

Shrewsbury Town vs West Ham United (BBC One)

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (BT Sport 1)

Monday, January 8

Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace (BT Sport 1)

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