The explosive rivalry between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola – and the increased tension it may bring to the terraces – are part of the police's planning for the Manchester derby.
Sportsmail understands that officers on duty for Saturday's clash between the two sides, the first battle between the feuding managers with their new clubs in England, will be told of the pair's feisty history and the effect that may have on their operation.
Around 400 officers are expected to be on duty for the 12.30pm kick-off and they will be briefed about the Mourinho/Guardiola feud which dates back to their days managing Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is gearing up for his first Manchester derby
Mourinho is set to resume his intense rivalry with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
The clash is the highest-profile fixture at United's home since the fiasco at their final match of last season against Bournemouth, which was abandoned after a dummy bomb – left on a training exercise – sparked a mass evacuation.
And Sportsmail can also reveal that every member of United's security staff charged with making stadium searches has been re-trained after the club sought expert advice following the Bournemouth blunder.
Club officials approached security experts who specialise in dealing with the threat of terrorism.
A new plan and strategy has been put in place with United sparing no expense to ensure that, should such a situation arise again, it is dealt with more efficiently.
Around 400 officers are expected at Old Trafford for the derby, which kicks off at 12.30pm
United, with star signing Paul Pogba at the helm, are unbeaten heading into Saturday's clash
Police sources are confident that the fixture will pass off without major incident and, at this stage, there is no intelligence to suggest an increased risk and neither manager is expected to be spoken to.
Trouble between the two sets of supporters at early kick-off matches previously has tended to take place in and around Greater Manchester's pubs and bars in the hours following the clash and extra officers will be on duty in the city centre and outskirts of Manchester.
A source said: 'There is no intelligence to suggest that there will be mass disorder. And while it does not necessarily affect the risk element, police are aware of the Jose Mourinho/Pep Guardiola rivalry and that the arrival of the new managers and their own rivalry could bring heightened tension.
No extra resources are being deployed because of it, but it is something that will be part of the review and it will be relayed to officers who are on duty at the game.'
Guardiola's side are also yet to drop a point following three rounds of Premier League action
Mourinho and Guardiola's relationship stretches back more than 20 years, when they were together at Barcelona as assistant coach and player.
However, things quickly soured when they became management rivals and in matches played between their sides, no fewer than 10 players have been sent off.
Chief Inspector Dean Howard, from greater Manchester Police (GMP), is Saturday's match commander.
He said: 'This is arguably the biggest game of the season so far and no doubt will have the eyes of the world watching.
'We have a lot of experience policing high-profile fixtures such as this and we work closely with officials and fan groups from both clubs. The vast majority of supporters are law-abiding members of the public and we hope all those in attendance enjoy the game in a competitive but safe atmosphere, allowing Manchester to once again showcase its football.'
source:dailymail
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