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      Man Utd takeover LIVE: United plan incredible De Gea U-turn EXCLUSIVE, Jim Ratcliffe faces competition for ‘No.1 target’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are planning an embarrassing U-turn plan for David de Gea SunSport can exclusively reveal.The club are worried that they will be short of keepers when Cameroon No.1 Andre Onana goes to the African Cup of Nations in the new year.
      Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
      The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if the British billionaire buys into the club and takes control of football operations.

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      Follow ALL of the latest from Old Trafford below…
      Players improving
      Erik ten Hag has admitted that his Manchester United players are getting up to speed after a sluggish start to the season.
      The manager felt that the team was much improved in their 1-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League last night.
      He said: “Players are stepping up and getting their markers into the season.
      “From there, they get the belief, as you have seen with Harry Maguire and Andre Onana.
      “I think there are others with good performances. If we produce that and go from game to game, we can create something.”
      Coming up
      Here are Manchester United’s next four games in all competitions.
      The Red Devils are first up in a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
      Erik ten Hag’s side will then face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup before fixtures against Fulham and Copenhagen.

      United plot u-turn
      Manchester United plan an embarrassing U-turn by pleading with dumped keeper David de Gea to return on a short-term deal.
      The club are worried they will be short of keepers when Cameroon No 1 Andre Onana — De Gea’s replacement — goes to the Africa Cup of Nations in the new year.
      Man Utd were caught off-guard after Onana performed a U-turn on his international retirement.
      Afcon runs from January 13 to February 11, meaning the £43.8million summer signing could miss up to eight United matches.
      So the club are ready to turn to De Gea — having booted him out in the summer.
      The Spaniard, 32, spent 12 years at Old Trafford before he left when his contract ran out.

      How things stand
      Here is a look at how Manchester United’s Champions League group looks following the 1-0 win over Copenhagen.

      Agbonlahor demands apology
      Gabby Agbonlahor has demanded that Manchester United fans give Harry Maguire an apology after the defender netted a crucial winning goal in the Champions League.
      He told talkSPORT: “First of all, I’d like to say that I fell that a lot of United fans owe Maguire an apology.
      “I feel that what he’s been through, he’d had fans booing him, he’s been away on pre-season tours and you’ve got ‘sheep’ booing him, ‘sheep’ fans that don’t have a clue about football booing him.
      “He’s got through it and said, ‘No, I’m not going to leave, I want to play for United.’ Easy for him to say, ‘OK, I’ll got to West Ham, let’s get the deal through.’
      “‘No, I’m staying here, I’m going to fight for my position,’ and look what he’s doing now. He got ‘Man of the Match’ against Sheffield United, he got an assist against Brentford, last night he scores. That’s a captain’s performance last night.”
      Fernandes on Instagram

      What was the momentum like?
      Here is a look at what the momentum looked like between Manchester United and Copenhagen during their Champions League clash.

      Onana’s rallying cry
      A buoyant Andre Onana demanded that Manchester United finish the job they started against Copenhagen and make it into the Champions League knockout stages.
      He said after the game: “We are Manchester United, a very big club. We have to keep going, we have to win.
      “I have no doubt we’ll make it to the next UCL stage. I am sure”.
      United ‘keeping tabs’ on defender
      Manchester United are reportedly “keeping tabs” on Sebastian Caceres.
      The Club America defender, 24, has impressed in recent weeks and United are said to be keen, according to Football Insider.
      The report claims that Tottenham, Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle are also interested in his signature.
      United ‘want midfielder’
      Manchester United are reportedly interested in a move for AC Milan star Tijjiani Reijnders.
      The Dutch midfielder only joined the Serie A giants last summer as he put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
      However there is already speculation over his future with Calciomercato claiming that the Red Devils are admirers of the star.
      The report even claims that the club are considering making a move for Reijnders next summer.
      Credit: Getty
      Scholes first-half criticism
      Paul Scholes criticised Manchester United’s first-half showing during their 1-0 victory over Copenhagen last night.
      United won the game on the night thanks to a 72nd-minute Harry Maguire header.
      And Scholes had this to say to TNT Sports: “It felt like we were watching a Europa League match in the first half.
      “Like a Thursday night. Poor. The second half was much better.”
      Klopp pays Charlton tribute
      Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
      Ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League fixtures against Toulouse, the manager gave his condolences.
      Charlton died on the weekend and it was announced ahead of the United win over Sheffield United.
      He said: “I knew of Sir Bobby before I arrived in England, he is one of the biggest personalities in European and world football.
      “I hope his family are doing OK.”
      Credit: Rex
      United ‘should have progressed more’
      Former Manchester United star Michael Owen has claimed that the club should have progressed further under Erik ten Hag.
      He told DAZN Bet: “United are in a position at the moment where they are desperate to stick with a manager.
      “There has been so much chop and changing since Sir Alex Ferguson, and not every manager they employ can be bad. In fact, all of them had the CV to suggest they could be great managers.
      “So at some point you have to stop chopping and changing and stick with a manager, and I think United are at that point where they really want some continuity.
      “But I did expect United to be further down the line than they currently are. If you look in black and white you can argue against that, they did win a cup, got to the final of another one and qualified for the Champions League.
      “It’s a pretty decent season, not by United’s standards but over the past few years. So that was a huge step forward on paper but visually I was not impressed and I wondered whether this was a true reflection of their ability at the time, and this season has only confirmed that in my mind.”
      Prem giants queue up for Nico
      Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool have reportedly all recently asked Athletic Bilbao about winger Nico Williams – so will United follow suit?
      The 10-cap Spaniard, 21, is out of contract next summer.
      Williams is thought to have turned down Aston Villa in the last transfer window.
      But 90min say Premier League clubs are keener than ever on the starlet.
      Athletic are said to be optimistic Williams will extend his deal.
      But his list of admirers is growing – especially after four assists in seven LaLiga games this season.
      Credit: Alamy
      Maguire congratulated by stars
      Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice congratulated Harry Maguire for his rare goal for Manchester United in the Champions League.
      On the defender’s Instagram post, Bellingham commented “Love to see it” and Rice said that he was “buzzing” for the Red Devils ace.
      Credit: EPA
      Onana dedicates win
      Andre Onana dedicated Manchester United’s win over Copenhagen to Sir Bobby Charlton.
      Taking to social media after the match, he wrote: “For all Mancunians, for us, for Sir Bobby Charlton ❤️ We are UNITED.”

      Eriksen shows off award
      Christian Eriksen has shown off his Man of the Match award that he earned against Copenhagen on Instagram.

      Ten Hag hails Maguire
      Erik ten Hag has heaped praise on Harry Maguire for his display against Copenhagen.
      The Dutch manager claimed that the English defender is “dominating” in duels.
      He is playing more proactive in possession.
      Stepping in, passing vertical, defending on the front foot and also stepping in, passing vertical.
      Defending on the front foot, he is also stepping in and playing forward. Very confident in the duels, I think he is dominating.
      Also in the right moments, he is showing his aggression against the opponents. Then, you see he is also rewarded because of his heading.
      I have to say it is a great pass from Christian [Eriksen], but it was a great finish.Erik ten Hag
      Players improving
      Erik ten Hag has admitted that his Manchester United players are getting up to speed after a sluggish start to the season.
      The manager felt that the team was much improved in their 1-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League last night.
      Players are stepping up and getting their markers into the season.
      From there, they get the belief, as you have seen with Harry Maguire and Andre Onana.
      I think there are others with good performances. If we produce that and go from game to game, we can create something.Erik ten Hag
      Garnacho slammed for antics
      Kim Kallstrom has slammed Alejandro Garnacho for scuffing up the penalty spot before FC Copenhagen’s spot-kick last night.
      The former Arsenal loanee told Tipsbladet: “What an ugly type. It’s so childish. It’s a baby level.
      “I understand that players want to win at all costs, but there has to be some kind of morality somewhere.
      “Football players may not have the greatest morals of all, but they can still have morals.”
      Maguire’s impressive outing
      Here is a touch map of Harry Maguire’s match-winning performance against Copenhagen.

      Coming up
      Here are Manchester United’s next four games in all competitions.
      The Red Devils are first up in a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday.
      Erik ten Hag’s side will then face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup before fixtures against Fulham and Copenhagen.

      Join our United WhatsApp chat
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      Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
      Join our United WhatsApp chat
      Want to contribute to our conversations around Manchester United?
      Well, you can by joining the WhatsApp channel via this link to keep up to date with all the goings on at Old Trafford.
      Tyson Fury and Andre Onana’s unlikely bromance
      Tyson Fury has sparked an unlikely bromance with United penalty hero Andre Onana.
      Onana took to Instagram after last night’s game to write: “For all Mancunians, for us, for Sir Bobby Charlton. We are United.”
      And Fury replied: “GETTTTUPPPPP.” – invoking the iconic moment he rose from being knocked down against Deyontay Wilder.
      Onana then replied with a salute emoji. More

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      Jamie Carragher convinced Man City ‘will end up in non-league’ after Premier League call for Everton points deduction

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER reckons Manchester City will end up in non-league as the Premier League demand Everton are hit with a points deduction.The Toffees face being docked 12 points should they be found guilty of Financial Fair Play rule breaches.
      Manchester City were hit with 115 charges by the Premier League in FebruaryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Merseysiders recorded heavy losses – reportedly £371.8million – over the last three years, more than treble the permitted amount.
      Everton insist they have complied with the laws as an independent commission hears the case.
      But The Telegraph state the Premier League are pushing hard for a maximum punishment of a 12-point deduction if the commission rules against the Goodison Park club.
      And should that mega blow be dealt during the 2023-24 season, that could plunge Sean Dyche’s side into major trouble in their fight to stay in the Premier League.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Everton are currently 16th in the table on seven points from nine matches.
      However, Carragher was quick to deflect the attention on to Manchester City amid their ongoing FFP battle.
      Boyhood Everton fan and Liverpool legend Carragher tweeted: “The Premier League want a 12-point deduction for Everton for one charge.
      “Man City are going to end up in the National League North if the Premier League get their way!!
      Most read in Football
      “Unbelievable the amount of stories that come out about Everton’s situation, but Man City’s, which has 114 more charges and has gone on for much longer, has gone very quiet.”
      City were slapped with 115 alleged charges of FFP rules in February, with possible punishments including point deductions, transfer bans, stripping of titles and even expulsion from the division.
      The Etihad giants are accused of hiding the true source of the club’s funding, only partially declaring salaries and bonuses, breaching Uefa and Prem Financial Fair Play regulations and obstructing the League investigation that was opened in 2018.

      The Premier League posted their findings of the four-year investigation earlier this year but City deny the charges and are launching a huge legal challenge.
      That includes appointing £5,000-per-hour Lord Pannick KC as their legal lead.
      Everton are at risk of a 12-point deduction for FFP breachesCredit: PA
      Jamie Carragher turned the attention back on to the Etihad giantsCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea star wants WWE legend John Cena to play him in a movie – but can you guess the unlikely player?

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      AN unlikely Chelsea star has suggested that WWE legend John Cena should portray him in a movie.Cena, 46, has made his comeback to the WWE in 2023 after being a 16-time world champion for the wrestling company.
      A Chelsea star has chosen John Cena to play him in a movie
      The shout came during a recent interview with the Premier League
      And now the American’s name has popped up again after being named as the ideal candidate to portray a Blues defender.
      The player in question joined Chelsea from Brighton for a £62m fee in 2022.
      It is of course left-back Marc Cucurella.
      In a hilarious video posted by the Premier League’s social team, numerous players were asked a series of questions.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      After being asked, “which actor would you like to portray you in a movie?”, Cucurella claimed it would be John Cena. 
      Explaining why, the Spanish international said: “I’ve always liked his combats and his career in WWE.”
      Given the obvious lack of resemblance, it’s certainly a rogue shout from the former Brighton and Barcelona player. 
      However, it appears Manchester City star Rodri was even more confused.
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      When asked the same question the City midfielder said: “I would choose Denzel Washington.”
      While, Luton Town’s Tom Lockyer reckons Bradley Cooper is the perfect actor to play him.
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      Full-back Marc Cucurella was the player to list John Cena as the actor he’d want to play himCredit: Getty
      And fans have been left in hysterics.
      One fan wrote: “Omg! Cucurella said he wants John Cena to play him in a movie😂.”
      Another said: “He is growing on me now.”
      A third declared: “I can’t believe he chose him 😂.”
      While Cena may be a legend within the WWE, his future with the organisation remains in doubt amid the actors’ strikes in Hollywood. More

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      Jamal Musiala sparks Premier League tug-of-war as Liverpool joined by rivals in huge transfer battle

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      LIVERPOOL are set to be in a transfer tug-of-war with Manchester City over Bayern Munich youngster Jamal Musiala, a report claims.The midfielder is quickly emerging as one of the most promising talents in the Bundesliga.
      Liverpool and Manchester City are set to go head-to-head for Bayern Munich’s Jamal MusialaCredit: Getty
      Liverpool hoss Jurgen Klopp is said to be keen on the 20-year-old winger.
      The former Chelsea academy star left Stamford Bridge in 2019 to join the German side’s youth squad.
      Musiala became the youngest player to ever feature for Bayern’s first team in 2020 at age 17 and 115 days.
      The German superstar has since become a dribble merchant for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
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      He has scored two goals this term and made three assists for Bayern who currently sit third in the Bundesliga after eight league matches.
      His versatility and talent has attracted a host of club with Liverpool already declaring their interest in the midfielder.
      But according to German outlet Bild Premier League treble winners Man City are said to be keen on the youngster.
      The report claims Pep Guardiola has confirmed he “wants Musiala” at the Etihad.
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      Jurgen Klopp meanwhile is exploring options if Mo Salah opts to take the Saudi’s big-money offer in January or next summer.
      Musiala may not be the right replacement as the German is not a right winger.
      But this does not mean to say Klopp would not take the talented youngster at Anfield.
      The same goes for Guardiola who is looking to defend the league title this season.
      Man City are currently two points behind front-runners Spurs and the Spaniard may want to tweak his starting XI to boost his team’s chances of securing the top spot. More

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      I haven’t spoken to Alan Shearer in FOUR years after bitter public feud, reveals England legend Michael Owen

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      MICHAEL OWEN has revealed he has not spoken to Alan Shearer in four years, ever since the pair rowed on Twitter about their time at Newcastle.Owen, 43, played alongside Shearer, 53, for both England and Newcastle.
      Alan Shearer and Michael Owen were team-mates at NewcastleCredit: PA:Press Association
      Owen later played under Shearer when Newcastle were relegatedCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      And Owen even temporarily moved into Shearer’s house after the Toon broke their transfer record to bring him in for £15million in 2009.
      But their relationship turned sour when an out-of-sorts Owen failed to perform when Shearer was appointed Newcastle boss for the final eight games of the 2008/09 season.
      The Magpies were relegated from the Premier League as Owen left for Manchester United.
      In 2019, Owen claimed in his autobiography that Shearer blamed him for the relegation and criticised him behind his back after they dropped down to the Championship.
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      Shearer responded with a video of Owen saying: “So all I did for six, seven years… I hated it, I couldn’t wait to retire.”
      And he added: “Yes Michael, we thought that also, whilst on £120k a week…”
      Owen hit back by saying: “Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate.
      “I distinctly remember you being inches away from signing for Liverpool after Sir Bobby Robson put you on the bench. You tried everything to get out.”
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      Owen and Shearer also played together for EnglandCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Now Owen has claimed he has not spoken to Shearer since the spat.
      Speaking to DAZN Bet, he said: “I haven’t spoken to Alan Shearer since he criticised my book, no.
      “Alan works at the BBC and I work on other channels, so we rarely cross paths.
      “I would say hello and shake his hand, things like that, but no we haven’t spoken since then.”
      In an extract from his book, “Michael Owen: Reboot – My Life, My Time”, Owen writes: “He [Shearer] was brought in at St. James’ Park as the saviour, the local boy. It could have been a great story.
      “But he failed. Newcastle United were relegated. Perhaps rather than examine his own shortcomings, it felt easier to blame Michael Owen.
      “I was a week away from fitness for the final game of the season that saw Newcastle needing a point at Aston Villa to avoid relegation.
      “I told him that I wasn’t fully fit but was prepared to play. As I left his office that day, he made an insinuation that led me to believe he thought I had half an eye on my next contract.
      “I’m not stupid – we both knew I was out of contract in a few weeks.
      “It wasn’t until three months later, I discovered that Alan Shearer was apparently seething with me.
      “Not only that, it transpired that he was telling anyone who’d listen what he thought of me.
      “When you analyse it, it all makes sense. Shearer’s record as manager in the last eight games of that 2008/2009 season was dire: lost 5, drew 2, won 1. These are hardly God-like stats.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The truth is, the damage was done long before we went to Villa Park needing to draw. I feel a little sorry for him.
      “I’m gutted for him that it never worked out at Newcastle, Alan Shearer and I still haven’t talked this out face to face and that’s a shame because, as I’ve said many, many times, we were very good friends.” More

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      RB Leipzig star Ilaix Moriba ‘cancelled flight’ to seal Man City transfer before Barcelona debut, his dad claimed

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      THE father of Ilaix Moriba has revealed he cancelled his son’s flight to Manchester City so the teen could remain at Barcelona.Moriba, now 20, burst into Ronald Koeman’s team in 2019 and was tipped for a bright future with the Catalans.

      AFP OR LICENSORS

      Ilaix Moriba, now 20, was set to agree a deal with Man City before staying at Barcelona However, he chose to leave the Camp Nou in 2021 and joined RB Leipzig for around £16million after a row over his contract.

      He had a two-year spell on-loan with LaLiga giants Valencia, and his future is currently in limbo in Germany.

      Moriba was put up for sale in the summer, although there were no takers.

      But, Moriba came close to joining Pep Guardiola at City when doubts emerged over a Barca deal back in 2019.

      The Spain youth international, who plays internationally for Guinea, had even booked a plane ticket to the Etihad as he searched for his first professional contract.

      However, Moriba’s dad Mamady Kourouma cancelled the ticket on the morning of the flight after a breakthrough in contract talks with Barca.

      He told Sport: “With Barcelona, the negotiations did not advance. We met with Txiki Begiristain [City’s sporting director] and he explained his entire project to us.

      “We liked it because they bet a lot on him. A few weeks later we had the tickets to travel to Manchester and sign the contract.

      “I cancelled it the morning that we had to go there. I wanted Ilaix to be an example and a reference for the next generations of Barcelona.

      “His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof Barca was betting on the youth players. We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.” More

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      My dad is a Premier League cult hero and Manchester derby match-winner… now I’m making my own way in non-league

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      HIS father was a Premier League cult hero who lit up Eastlands and Fratton Park, but Benjani Jr is hoping to make a name for himself in his own right.His father, Benjani Sr was one of the cult heroes of the 2000s Premier League era and no doubt earned his “streets won’t forget” status.
      Benjani gave Manchester City their first win at Old Trafford since 1974 in January 2008Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Benjani Jr now plays for Yeovil TownCredit: Yeovil Town

      Fans of both Manchester City and Portsmouth remember the striker fondly for his iconic celebration which saw him point dramatically to each corner of the crowd before waving his arm from side to side.
      Although it was unclear exactly what the celebration symbolised at the time, the Zimbabwe international later explained the celebration by saying: “I’m addressing myself to the fans and saying, ‘I like you, and you and you.”
      And one of the most iconic uses of that celebration came in the Manchester derby in his debut for City.
      After arriving from Portsmouth in January 2008 for £4.86million he was thrown into the deep end when he was handed his debut against Sir Alex Ferguson’s United side.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Benjani’s header on that day put City 2-0 up and the Cityzens were able to hold on despite Michael Carrick pulling a goal back.
      It was a goal that etched Benjani into Manchester City folklore and was enough to give the club their first win at Old Trafford since 1974.
      Of course, times have changed since then, with Sheikh Mansour buying the club just months later and turning the City’s fortunes around.
      And now Benjani’s son is making his own way in the game.
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      Benjani Mwaruwari Jr, 18, is a striker just like his Dad and currently impressing for Yeovil Town in the National League.
      The son of the Premier League cult legend made his name known to the Yeovil faithful a fortnight ago when he scored a stunning free-kick against Keynsham Town.
      The youngster had been a member of Manchester City’s academy since his father’s days, but was not offered a scholarship by City and subsequently joined Yeovil’s youth ranks.
      After impressing for Yeovil’s Under 18s side, he was offered a professional contract this summer and has slowly been integrating into the first team ever since. More

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      Why is Man Utd vs Man City kicking off at 3:30pm on Sunday?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Manchester City are all set to lock horns once again – but there will be an unusual kick-off time.Pep Guardiola’s men are slowly becoming the driving force of Manchester despite the Red Devils’ previous dominance in English football.
      Marcus Rashford scored the winnerCredit: The Times
      However, the outcome of this upcoming derby is still hard to predict as Erik ten Hag’s side beat City in this very same Premier League fixture last season.
      But one thing we do know is the unusual kick-off time, and SunSport can explain the reason behind it.
      Why is Man Utd vs Man City kicking off at 3:30pm?
      The Super Sunday showdown will get underway at an unusual time of 3:30pm BST due to an agreement between the clubs.
      A statement on Manchester United’s official website read: “The derby with Manchester City will be staged towards the end of the month, with the Old Trafford encounter being moved to 29 October, kicking off at 15:30 GMT.
      Read more on Man Utd
      “The fixture, which we won 2-1 last season with Marcus Rashford netting a memorable winner, is to be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.
      “The unusual start time was agreed following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities.”
      Times and dates are notably changed to accommodate clubs playing in Europe – the Champions League and Europa League.
      When is Man Utd vs Man City?

      Manchester United vs Manchester City will take place on Saturday, October 28.
      Old Trafford is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host around 74,310 roaring fans.
      Marcus Rashford’s 82nd-minute strike saw United complete an epic comeback in their most recent Premier League fixture against City.
      Fans can follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage.

      Most read in Football More