Manchester United have already encountered disruption to their preparations ahead of the high-profile clash with Liverpool on Monday evening after a pre-match meeting was cancelled at short notice.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag was expected to brief his playing squad in a meeting at the Lowry Hotel this afternoon, but the Manchester Evening News has reported that fears over security issues have forced the meeting to be pulled at around 1pm today, with some protesting supporters having already gathered outside the venue.
Influential United supporter groups are expected to stage a protest at tonight's match, which is scheduled to kick off at 8pm and is being televised live on Sky Sports, against the ownership of the club by the American Glazer family. The MEN report claims that a source has said that security staff at the club are expecting the protest to be 'a big one'.
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United's players usually stay in the Lowry the night before a home match but did not stay there last night. It is believed that the team meeting will now likely take place inside Old Trafford, with the squad having arrived as early as 11am - nine hours before kick-off.
In the corresponding fixture during the Covid-impacted 2020-21 season, United's game against Liverpool was postponed before kick-off when a group of supporters breached security to break into Old Trafford, protesting on the pitch and in the stands.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already suggested that any repeat scenario this evening, should see his side awarded all three points rather than rescheduling the match.
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