As Manchester United prepares for a pivotal Premier League clash against Everton on February 24, 2026, a unique aspect of the fixture has come into focus: the overlap with the holy month of Ramadan. The match, scheduled for a 3:00 AM local time kickoff, presents a familiar scenario for several players within the United squad who observe the Islamic faith. The game is crucial for the Red Devils, currently fifth in the league with 45 points, as they strive to maintain their position in the competition for Champions League qualification.
The 8:00 PM GMT kickoff time in England is designed to accommodate players observing Ramadan, allowing them to fulfill their religious obligations while continuing to compete at the highest level. This isn’t a fresh challenge for Manchester United, with previous stars like Paul Pogba having successfully balanced their faith and professional commitments during the fasting month. The scheduling consideration highlights a growing awareness within the sport of accommodating the religious practices of its diverse athletes.
Several members of the current Manchester United roster identify as Muslim and will be observing Ramadan during this period. Among them are winger Amad Diallo, a young talent from the Ivory Coast, and new signing Noussair Mazraoui. Goalkeeper Altar Bayindir and forward Bryan Mbuemo likewise practice Islam.
Amad Diallo frequently demonstrates his faith publicly, often seen in prayer before matches and openly expressing his Muslim identity on social media. His Instagram profile provides glimpses into his personal life and religious observances. Mazraoui, a recent addition to the squad, is also expected to observe the fast despite the demands of the competitive schedule.
This situation echoes experiences from previous seasons, where Muslim players have demonstrated their ability to perform at a high level while fasting. The ability to maintain peak physical condition during Ramadan requires careful management of training schedules, nutrition, and rest, a challenge that Manchester United’s sports science team will undoubtedly address.
The match against Everton will be played at the newly constructed Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s home ground, and will be broadcast via streaming service Vidio. Everton recently suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against Bournemouth, currently ranked ninth in the league, while Manchester United secured a 1-1 draw against West Ham, a team positioned 18th in the standings.
Looking ahead, Manchester United will need to navigate a demanding schedule throughout Ramadan, balancing their Premier League ambitions with the religious commitments of their players. The team’s ability to manage this challenge will be a key factor in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
What impact will Ramadan have on Manchester United’s performance in the coming weeks? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans.