The congested fixture list is taking its toll on footballers and managers – but it’s not easy for the reporters, either

Sunday marked the 23rd straight day where a Premier League team was in action, whether at home or abroad. Maybe we all need a break, writes Ben Burrows

Manchester United’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is one of a number of managers complaining about the fixture list this season (AFP/Getty)

It takes a great deal to get the managers of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool together on the same page. The great rivals don’t see eye to eye on much, with Premier League points and bragging rights far too precious to cede even the smallest advantage over.

But this weekend saw that rarest of things at the very top of English football: a consensus.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was first to break cover on the relentlessness of his side’s fixture schedule, stating on Saturday afternoon his belief that those in power have “set United up to fail”.