Police will reportedly be on alert for fans spreading offensive graffiti slogans in the build-up to the derby between Manchester City and Manchester United.

The fierce rivals go head to head at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday and the authorities will be keen to prevent supporters from spraying abusive messages on pubs around the city.

"We want to stop it happening this time," the Daily Star quotes Superintendent Craig Thompson as saying.

Reports have claimed that graffiti removal teams will be on standby in case any incidents occur.