Police urge Manchester United and Leeds fans to behave responsibly with 70,000 capacity crowd set for Old Trafford opener between fierce rivals
- Manchester United and Leeds have had fierce rivalry down the years
- Police have called for fans of both sides to act responsibly at Old Trafford
- Old Trafford will be full for the first time since the Manchester derby last March
Police have called for fans to behave responsibly as Manchester United clash with bitter rivals Leeds in front of the first full-house at Old Trafford for 17 months.
As many as 200 officers will be on duty as part of a massive security operation at the high-risk Category C game which kicks off at lunchtime on Saturday.
The fixture between two of English football’s fiercest rivals has a history of crowd trouble, and Leeds are bringing 3,000 supporters for the first league meeting between the two clubs with fans at Old Trafford since 2004.
Manchester United take on Leeds this Saturday with a full Old Trafford crowd behind them
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are fierce rivals of United and police have called for good behaviour
They met in the Premier League last December following the Yorkshire club’s return to the top-flight, but United’s 6-2 win was played behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions.
Ahead of the return fixture at Elland Road in April, United put extra security precautions in place after learning that Leeds fans were planning to attack their team bus at the height of the European Super League fallout.
Chief superintendent Stuart Ellison, Greater Manchester Police’s gold commander for public order operations, has called for good behaviour at events across the city with Old Trafford set to be full for the first time since the Manchester derby in March 2020.
He said: ‘It feels like a long time since we last had capacity crowds, but we have worked on hundreds of events in the past and our priority this weekend remains the same.
‘The Premier League starts with Manchester hosting the biggest game of the weekend, 70,000 fans returning to Old Trafford to see Manchester United hosting Leeds United. That’s just one of four matches on our patch on Saturday afternoon.
‘Our officers are working extended hours this weekend to help keep the public safe. All that we ask is that you behave responsibly so everyone can enjoy themselves.’
There will be an increased police presence in Manchester with multiple events on the day
A GMP statement added: ‘Since the release of the fixture list we have been working with Manchester United, the supporters’ groups of both clubs, local authorities, and other relevant partners to ensure all supporters in attendance are able to enjoy the game in a safe environment.
‘There can be challenges around this fixture that present it as high-risk which is why we work closely with these agencies to put together a thorough policing plan that ensures all spectators can enjoy the match without any issue or disruption for the wider public.’
United are urging fans to arrive early for the game due to a number of transport issues. There will also be a minute’s silence before kick-off as both clubs pay respect to former players, staff and fans who have lost their lives during the pandemic.
Leeds fans will make the trip to watch their side play in the opening game of the season
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played down any concerns over Old Trafford being at full capacity again after the Covid outbreak.
‘No, I don’t have any safety or security worries,’ said the United boss. ‘I know the club have got the safety measures and everything will be sorted.’
Solskjaer confirmed that new £73million signing Jadon Sancho will be involved, but Raphael Varane has yet to train with the squad as his move from Real Madrid goes through.
