Police warning to Manchester United and Liverpool fans ahead of Saturday's Old Trafford showdown

Manchester United and Liverpool supporters have been warned about their behaviour ahead of Saturday's potentially-explosive Old Trafford showdown.

The game will kick-off at 5.30pm due to live TV coverage, with fears fans will drink more alcohol than usual due to the late start time.

Three thousand visiting supporters are expected to make the trip, and Greater Manchester police have urged fans to adhere to the strict rules in place as they try to keep a lid on any hostilities between the two rivals.

GMP said: “As always the TV cameras and media will be focused on one of the biggest club fixtures in the world. We hope that supporters from both sides act in a responsible manner and enjoy the game, no matter what the result.

"The aim is to ensure that everyone enjoys the match and the day passes off safely. Recent league fixtures at Old Trafford between United and Liverpool have passed without incident and this is something that I hope we can achieve again for this game.

“Many issues experienced by fans can be overcome by effective communication and in order to build upon good relations from previous seasons, the Football Supporters Federation, Spirit of Shankly, Liverpool FC Supporters Committee and Manchester United Supporters Trust [have already been met with] to talk through some aspects of the policing operation.”

Drinking on the streets is banned and fans will also be restricted to buying two alcoholic beverages inside the ground.

Pyrotechnics will also not be permitted inside Old Trafford and could result in a ban.

“We would like to remind all supporters that pyrotechnics are dangerous and are not welcome by the majority of fans" GMP added.

It is an offence to enter a stadium with such an item and those engaging in this behaviour risk arrest, prosecution and also a banning order.

“You cannot drink alcohol on the street in Manchester city centre or Trafford – the borough where the ground is – and this will be enforced around the stadium for home and away fans.

"Since implementing this policy it has stopped groups of supporters congregating at certain locations which created a hostile atmosphere for visiting fans and families.”