The Europa League round-of-16 clash between Manchester United and Liverpool would now be moved to an 8.05 pm (1.35 am IST) kick-off instead of the earlier 6.00 pm (11.30 pm IST) slot.
The change in the timing comes due to concerns about safety as the Trafford council requested UEFA to delay the start of the game. The second leg of the Europa League clash between the two rivals will go ahead as scheduled on 17 March.
The game falls on St Patrick’s Day and authorities were concerned about the number of security, medical and stewarding staff that could be available at the earlier kick-off time. UEFA has now decided to delay the match after taking into account these issues with Manchester United backing the proposal.
Liverpool face Manchester United in the first leg of the tie on 10 March and that game is also scheduled to kick-off at 8.05 pm (1.35 am IST) at Anfield. The meeting between the two giants of English football will be the first in a European competition and is the only realistic chance for Liverpool to win any silverware this season.
Liverpool looking for revenge
Liverpool and Manchester United both picked up crucial victories in the midweek fixtures. Liverpool easily dispatched a below-par Manchester City side and that coupled with a United victory over Watford saw the Red Devils move level on points with City, though the Citizens do have a game in hand on United.
In both the Premier League clashes between the two clubs this season, it has been the Manchester side that has gotten the better of the Merseyside club but Liverpool will be buoyed by the performance against City,
Manchester United will also look for maximum points in the remaining Premier League fixtures as the losses for Manchester City and Arsenal have brought them within touching distance, and qualification for the Champions League through the league positions is now a possibility for the Red Devils.
Both clubs do know that winning the Europa League guarantees entry into the Champions League. This season was the first that saw five teams from the same country take part in the group stages as Sevilla, holders of the Europa League, joined Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Valencia.
