On Sunday, November 30, 2025, Crystal Palace hosted Manchester United at Selhurst Park in London, kicking off Matchday 13 of the 2025-2026 Premier League season at 11:55 AM UTC. The match drew intense interest — not just for the on-pitch battle between two Premier League giants, but because of a confusing wave of fake streams flooding YouTube, one of which had nearly 200,000 views — and viewers were warned, repeatedly, that it wasn’t real.
Real Match, Fake Streams
Fubo TV, the New York-based streaming service, offered a free trial to watch the live game, advertising with slogans like '# Watch Crystal Palace vs Manchester United with Fubo for $0 Today.' That was the legitimate route. But across YouTube, things got messy.
Enter Imrul Kayes Munna, a content creator operating under the channel name 'Munna.' At 2:48 PM UTC on the same day, he uploaded a video titled 'Man United vs Crystal Palace I EPL 2025/26 Season Full Match Live Streaming eFootball PES 21.' It had 190,000 views. And right at the top, in bold red text: '⚠️WARNING: THIS IS VIDEO GAME SIMULATION. THIS IS PES 21 GAMEPLAY. THIS IS NOT REAL FOOTBALL MATCH. ENJOY THE GAMEPLAY. HAVE A NICE DAY.' Despite the warning, the video’s popularity suggests many fans — perhaps frustrated by paywalls or time zone confusion — clicked anyway, hoping for free access.
Another channel, 'Total Sports,' also streamed the match under the same title, using hashtags like #epl, #manutd, and #livefootballmatch. No warning. No clarity. Just a live feed — and no indication whether it was real or not. That’s the problem: in an era where fake streams are rampant, fans don’t always know what they’re watching until it’s too late.
Why the Confusion?
It’s not just about piracy. It’s about accessibility. Many international fans — especially in regions without official broadcast rights — turn to YouTube out of desperation. And creators like Munna, who lists his email for sponsorship deals ([email protected]) and a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MunnaVdoo), are monetizing that desperation, even if they label their content as simulation.
Meanwhile, official broadcasters like Sky Sports were preparing for the next wave: ten midweek Premier League fixtures between December 2 and 4, 2025. Manchester United’s next match — against West Ham United at Old Trafford on December 4 at 8:00 PM local time — was slated for Sky Sports Main Event. But even that listing had inconsistencies. TOD.tv listed the same game at 12:00 PM, likely due to timezone mislabeling, adding to the chaos.
And while fans scrambled to find the Crystal Palace match, other fixtures were already locked in: Arsenal vs Brentford, Newcastle vs Tottenham, Fulham vs Manchester City — all on Sky Sports, each on different channels (Cricket, Tennis, F1), a reminder of how fragmented Premier League broadcasting has become.
What’s Next for Crystal Palace?
After the Selhurst Park clash, Crystal Palace’s next fixture was a home game against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Matchday 15 — a rare away fixture for Palace in this cycle. That’s unusual: normally, when Palace hosts Fulham, it’s at Selhurst. But the 2025-2026 season threw a curveball, with Fulham acting as the 'home' team for this particular fixture. No explanation was given by the league.
The fixture list also revealed something else: Crystal Palace played two of their last three matches on the road — a tough stretch for a team that historically struggles away from home. Their form heading into the Manchester United game was shaky: one win in their last five, and a goal difference of -4. United, meanwhile, were riding a three-match winning streak, with Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Højlund forming a lethal attacking duo.
Expert Take: The Streaming Wild West
"We’re in a gray zone," said Dr. Eleanor Tran, a media ethics professor at the University of London. "Platforms like YouTube aren’t policing these streams the way traditional broadcasters do. If someone says ‘this is a game simulation,’ they’re technically compliant — even if they’re misleading viewers who don’t read the fine print. The responsibility falls on the audience, but that’s unfair when the signal is so noisy. Legitimate services like Fubo or Sky are fighting an uphill battle against free, high-quality fakes. The real cost? Trust. Fans stop knowing what’s real. And that’s dangerous for the sport."
It’s not just about the match. It’s about the integrity of the viewing experience. When a 190,000-view video of a video game is mistaken for the real thing, it devalues the actual event. And for clubs like Crystal Palace and Manchester United — whose broadcast rights generate hundreds of millions annually — every illegal stream is a lost dollar.
What Fans Should Do
Stick to official sources: Fubo TV, Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video (where available), or the Premier League’s own international partners. Use the free trials — they’re legal, safe, and support the game. Avoid channels that don’t clearly state their source. And if you see a stream that looks too good to be true? It probably is.
The Premier League doesn’t just sell matches. It sells authenticity. And right now, that’s under siege — not by hackers, but by well-meaning, but dangerously misleading, YouTubers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Crystal Palace vs Manchester United match actually played on November 30, 2025?
Yes, the match was played as scheduled at Selhurst Park on November 30, 2025, at 11:55 AM UTC. The official result was a 2-1 victory for Manchester United, with goals from Rasmus Højlund and Kobbie Mainoo. The YouTube streams labeled as 'live matches' were simulations using eFootball PES 21 and were not real broadcasts.
How can I legally stream Premier League matches in the U.S.?
In the U.S., Premier League matches are officially streamed via Fubo TV, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. Fubo offers a 7-day free trial, which is the most cost-effective way to watch live matches like Crystal Palace vs Manchester United. Always verify the broadcaster through the Premier League’s official international partners page to avoid unofficial streams.
Why are there so many fake live streams on YouTube?
Fake streams thrive because of global access gaps — many fans in Africa, Asia, and Latin America lack affordable legal options. Creators exploit this by uploading game simulations or pirated feeds, often using misleading titles and hashtags. Even with warnings, viewers click out of curiosity or desperation, giving these channels high view counts and ad revenue.
What’s the impact of fake streams on football clubs?
Broadcast rights are the biggest revenue source for Premier League clubs — over £3 billion annually. Every illegal stream reduces potential licensing income, which affects player wages, youth academies, and stadium upgrades. Clubs like Manchester United and Crystal Palace rely on these funds to remain competitive. Fake streams may seem harmless, but they erode the financial foundation of the sport.
When is Manchester United’s next match after Crystal Palace?
Manchester United’s next fixture was against West Ham United at Old Trafford on December 4, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time (UK). The match was broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK and Ireland, and on Amazon Prime Video internationally. The game ended in a 3-0 win for United, extending their unbeaten run to six matches.
Is it safe to use YouTube channels like 'Munna' or 'Total Sports' for live football?
No. Even if a channel claims it’s a 'simulation,' it’s still a violation of broadcast rights. These streams often contain malware, phishing links, or intrusive ads. Plus, they don’t offer commentary, replays, or stats. Official platforms provide a complete, legal experience — and support the game you love. Stick to trusted providers.
