Police have claimed that there are no concerns that trouble will break out between Manchester United and Liverpool supporters at Old Trafford this Saturday.

The authorities have decided against objecting to the scheduled 5.30pm kickoff time, despite the general practice that games between rivals get underway earlier in order to avoid alcohol-fuelled behaviour.

"Greater Manchester Police work closely with our local football clubs to ensure people can attend fixtures in a safe and enjoyable environment," the Daily Mail quotes chief superintendent John O'Hare as saying.

"It is a credit to both Manchester United and Liverpool supporters that there have been no major issues at this fixture over the last two seasons and as a result we have not objected to this fixture being played at 5.30pm on a Saturday."

Liverpool fans have been banned from drinking in pubs close to the ground, while they are only allowed to be served two drinks each in the stadium.