- Man United will face 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, demolish Old Trafford and build a Tottenham-style stadium – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Police are on alert over the prospect of rival Manchester United and Leeds United fans descending on Wembley less than 24 hours apart.
United face neighbors City in the FA Cup final on May 25, while the Yorkshire side will be in the Championship play-off final on May 26 if they face Norwich City at Elland Road on Thursday evening.
Leeds appear to be the favourites, given they finished the season three places and 17 points above the Canaries and left Carrow Road with a 0-0 first leg draw.
And if they got their place under the arch, it would create a real headache for officials.
Mail Sport understands that this perspective has already been raised during security meetings.
Police are on alert as Man United and Leeds fans descend on Wembley later this month.
Leeds can reach the play-off final if they beat Norwich City at Elland Road on Thursday
The Championship play-off final will take place 24 hours after Man United’s FA Cup final against Man City. Mail Sport understands the prospect was discussed during security meetings
Wembley is now considered a destination thanks to the growth of hotels, bars and restaurants in its area.
A significant number of supporters of both Manchester clubs have already booked rooms for the Saturday evening following the final.
And if Leeds progress, they are likely to be joined by many others traveling to the stadium from Yorkshire ahead of their clash.
EFL bosses wanted the play-off final, which will see Leeds or Norwich face West Bromwich Albion or Southampton, in the final kick-off slot, mainly because it usually attracts a larger number of viewers.
They also alerted officials to the possibility of Leeds and Manchester United supporters mixing and stressed that a later kick-off on 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 many instances of trouble over the years.
Man United play Man City at Wembley 24 hours before Championship play-off final
Six fans were arrested following clashes between Manchester United and Leeds supporters before a match at Old Trafford in 2021.
Violent clashes between supporters outside cafes and restaurants broke out in Manchester city center in 2021, in what police described as a “large-scale disorder”.
What police described as a ‘large-scale disorder’ broke out in Manchester city center ahead of a match between the pair in 2021. Stunned shoppers ran for cover as brawls spilled out in the streets.
If this scenario were to come true, additional police resources would likely be mobilized, as well as increased security at hotels, bars and restaurants located in the shadow of the stadium.
