Man Utd vs Liverpool 4pm kick-off time explained after Premier League's £7m 'sweetener' to police forces

The supposedly high-risk clash will go ahead in a prime viewing slot at 4pm after the Premier League paid a £7 million 'sweetener' to police despite concerns over crowd troubles. TV officials would have preferred a 4.30pm start time but have settled for 30 minutes earlier in what is one of the most eagerly-anticipated fixtures on the football calendar.

In recent months, a number of the top-flight's biggest derbies have been moved to earlier kick-off times to avoid violence and crowd trouble in an effort to aid police managing the matches. For example, Tottenham vs Arsenal in the north London derby is set to start at 2pm on September 15, despite it being the most attractive match on offer next weekend.

But the Premier League's payment to various constabularies has resulted in a compromise for some games, including the one at Old Trafford on Sunday. Police will be better equipped to deal with fans who have been drinking throughout the day and are more likely to cause trouble, according to the Daily Mail.

United and Liverpool are England's most successful clubs when it comes to silverware. The Red Devils have won a record 20 top-flight titles, while the Reds have six major European cups to their name.

The arch-rivals met during their pre-season tour of the US, with Arne Slot's men running out 3-0 winners. Should Liverpool win again on Sunday, they will move six points ahead of Erik ten Hag's side already.