Security to be beefed up ahead of the Manchester United vs Liverpool bout at Old Trafford
According to The Daily Mail, there will be an increased security presence in the stadium and hotels as Manchester United prepare to take on Liverpool.
Both clubs are currently in the race for the Premier League title. Their rivalry notwithstanding, the game could define the season for either team going forward.
Both teams are coming off impressive 3-2 wins in the Champions League and will be keen to keep the run going. Liverpool are yet to taste defeat this season while United have been admittedly inconsistent.
With just hours leading up to the game, security is set to be beefed up not just at Old Trafford debut also at the team hotel and around the team bus. It is understandable given the events that surrounded the corresponding fixture last season.
A section of the fans blockaded the United players in their team hotel and also tried to sabotage the rearranged game 11 days later by slashing the tyres of a Liverpool team bus. The match eventually went ahead and the Merseysiders won 4-2.
Greater Manchester Police will have extra officers on duty. They are also expected to issue a statement on Saturday urging fans to behave at the high-risk Category C game.
United have, however, refused to comment on any security arrangements. The club has also not held any discussions with the authorities about any special arrangements.
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The anger aimed towards the Glazers has dissipated somewhat and now largely exists on social media. It is difficult to see fans of a similar scale assemble and put a dampener on the fixture. As things stand the Glazers out brigade have lost their initiative. Whether that is for better or worse remains to be seen.