More than 200 police officers will form part of a huge security operation around Manchester United's first full house since the start of the pandemic.
Just under 75,000 supporters are expected at Old Trafford for Saturday's 12.30pm kick-off against fierce local rivals Leeds, who have been allocated 3,100 tickets.
Although police have received no intelligence that there will be trouble, the Premier League game has been categorised a 'high risk' fixture because of the long-standing animosity between some fans of both teams.
The game - with the fans and security operation around it - is another step towards post-Covid normality.
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Supporters won't have to show they have had two doses of the vaccine or show a negative test - the government's Covid-19 'passport' arrangements aren't expected to come into force until October 1.
But in the meanwhile United officials are asking match-going Reds to abide by government guidelines by wearing masks and avoiding large groups in enclosed spaces inside the stadium.
Supporters are being urged to stay away if they have a positive test or they have symptoms.
Some fans have expressed concern about the 'vaccine passport' plans expected to introduced in October.
Andrew Birchall, a fan for 40 years, told the club in an email he would no longer support United.
He wrote: "I am disgusted to find out that you are now participating in this Draconian, authoritarian, medical tyranny that is being imposed on the citizens of this country, which includes fans of your club."
He accused the club of normalising a 'disgusting Orwellian utopia'.
The club stressed it was simply following the government's instructions and would be consulting with fans once the Covid passport plans were confirmed.
A small number of United fans normally seated in the South Stand have been temporarily moved to allow a 'sterile area', or buffer between supporters and players to prevent the spread of infection.
The Leeds game will be the first time Old Trafford has been at full capacity since March 2020, when Boris Johnson plunged the nation into the first coronavirus lockdown.
Greater Manchester Police has designated the game a 'high risk' fixture, similar to games against Manchester City or Liverpool, because of the long-standing rivalry between the supporters of both clubs.
It has been 17 years since Leeds fans were last at Old Trafford.
The M.E.N. understands more than 200 police officers will taking part in GMP's operation, which will include mounted police.
A spokesman for GMP said: "The match also coincides with other events going on in the city and so we have put all appropriate plans in place to meet that demand and the challenges that may be presented to us, this includes an increased police presence and officers working extended hours.
"Since the release of the fixture list we've 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, as we always have done, to put together a thorough policing plan that ensures all spectators can enjoy the match without any issue or disruption for the wider public."
Collette Roche, United's chief operating officer, said: “The Government has indicated that a COVID certification check, showing either a negative test or proof of double-vaccination through the use of the NHS COVID Pass, is likely to be mandatory for those attending large events from 1 October 2021.
"In line with Premier League guidance, this will apply for Manchester United matches at Old Trafford.
"We expect that fans will therefore need to demonstrate that they have either been fully vaccinated or can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of attending a match.
“We support the Premier League’s position on this which will help to keep fans and staff safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“The club is in the process of reviewing its operational procedures and policies to accommodate the proposed checks, along with any implications for fans and staff. Following this and after consultation with our fan groups, we will confirm details of how the measures will work and at which future home game they will begin. Checks will not take place at our home game against Leeds United this Saturday 14 August.
"In the meantime, we would urge all fans to prepare for the expected mandatory implementation of COVID certification by familiarising themselves with the NHS App and the use of the NHS COVID Pass on their smartphones."
