- Man United will take on Man City at Wembley on May 25, in the FA Cup final
- Leeds could also play at Wembley a day later in the Championship play-off final
- Manchester United should play at Wembley for two years, tear down Old Trafford and build a Tottenham-esque stadium – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Police are on alert over the prospect of rival fans of Manchester United and Leeds United descending on Wembley within 24 hours of each other.
United take on neighbours City in the FA Cup Final on May 25, while the Yorkshire side will appear in the Championship play-off final on May 26 if they see off Norwich City at Elland Road on Thursday night.
Leeds would appear to be favourites, given they finished the season three places and 17 points above the Canaries and came away from Carrow Road with a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
And should they secure their place under the arch, it would create a major headache for officials.
Mail Sport understands that the prospect has already been discussed at safety meetings.
Police are on alert over Man United and Leeds fans descending on Wembley later this month
Leeds can reach the play-off final should they beat Norwich City at Elland Road this weekend
The Championship play-off final will take place 24 hours after Man United’s FA Cup final vs Man City. Mail Sport understands that the prospect has been discussed at safety meetings
Wembley is now seen as a destination thanks to the boom in hotels, bars and restaurants in its footprint.
Sizable numbers of supporters of both Manchester clubs have already booked rooms for the Saturday night following the final.
And should Leeds progress, they are likely to be joined by many more who will travel to the stadium from Yorkshire ahead of their clash.
EFL bosses wanted the play-off final, which will see Leeds or Norwich take on West Bromwich Albion or Southampton, in the later kick-off slot, primarily given it usually attracts greater viewing numbers.
They also alerted officials to the chance of Leeds and Manchester United fans mixing and pointed out that a later kick-off on the Sunday would help reduce the risk. However, their pleas appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
Leeds and United share one of the fiercest rivalries in English football and there have been numerous instances of trouble over the years.
Man United will play at Wembley against Man City 24 hours before the Championship play-off final
Six fans were arrested following clashes between Manchester United and Leeds supporters before Saturday’s game at Old Trafford
Tempers boiled over as fans made their way to Old Trafford before the game, with violent clashes between supporters outside cafes and restaurants
What police described as ‘large-scale disorder’ broke out in Manchester city centre ahead of a fixture between the two in 2021. Stunned shoppers raced for cover as brawls spilled onto the streets.
Should the scenario unfold, extra police resources are likely to be drafted in, along with increased security in hotels, bars and restaurants in the shadow of the stadium.
