The Premier League’s latest change for the 2025/26 campaign has been slammed again after being tested during the Club World Cup final.
Significant changes are on the horizon for the Premier League next season, though they may not be the kind most supporters were hoping for.
In a bid to enhance the viewing experience, a series of US-style broadcast innovations are being introduced, offering more behind-the-scenes access, live interviews, and increased camera presence both on and off the pitch.
Similar updates during the Club World Cup campaign have sparked criticism, with many questioning whether they truly benefit the game or simply serve broadcasters’ interests.
For a club like Manchester United, still reeling from a turbulent and disappointing campaign, the arrival of these media-heavy distractions could hardly come at a worse time.
Half-time interviews used during Club World Cup
According to recent reports, the Premier League will introduce several US-style innovations next season, including live TV interviews with players after they’ve been substituted.
Other changes include granting TV cameras limited access to dressing rooms—excluding moments when team talks are taking place—and allowing camera operators onto the pitch to film close-up shots of goal celebrations.
One of those adjustments was in full use during Chelsea’s win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.
At half-time, with Enzo Maresca’s side 3-0 up, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella conducted an interview with DAZN and it went exactly how everyone would have expected.
When he could actually compose his breaths, the tired Spaniard provided the simplest answers as he waited to return to the changing room. Players don’t often look like they want to be interviewed after games, but they would seem ecstatic in comparison.
Of course, this change – or something similar – is set to come into the Premier League and there might not be a team in the country who needs it less than United right now.
United do not need more interviews
Last term, United fans were shocked at the amount of media duties Amorim was having to do and his players also spoke a lot to interviewers across the season.
Broadcasters know that United brings in extra attention. Do you really think they’ll pass up on the opportunity to interview coaches or players midway through a game? Of course not.
While the club will be focusing on improving on the shambles from last season, these changes just seem like an extra chance for these broadcasters to take advantage.
For the fans, groundbreaking analysis such as ‘we need to stay focused’ will now occur more times on a weekly basis. That will certainly make the extortionate prices worthwhile.
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