Police officers on Merseyside are on alert for Sunday 's crunch clash between Liverpool and Manchester United after a number of well-known United hooligans saw their banning orders expire . The match between the two fierce rivals , which carries the highest security risk rating , kicks-off at Anfield at 1.30pm . Along with the usual bragging rights , this season it also features the added tension of both sides being in direct competition for a Champions League spot . Police officers on Merseyside are on alert for Sunday 's clash between Liverpool and Manchester United . And it is understood around half-a-dozen known United troublemakers are free to go to the game after orders preventing them from going to matches ended last year . United will take around 3,000 followers to Liverpool . While police are happy with the early kick-off time , they are aware of the various elements which could potentially turn things ugly but remain confident they can deal with any situations . In November , Greater Manchester Police ( GMP ) deployed around 400 officers for the Manchester derby , which the previously-banned hooligans were also able to attend . United earned a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in which Wayne Rooney scored the opener . Raheem Sterling had several opportunities to score for his team , but failed to find the net last December . While the match passed without major incidents of disorder a large-scale brawl was captured on a mobile phone video more than 90 minutes after the final whistle . There , a number of United fans fought with City supporters outside a pub close to the Etihad Stadium , setting off a flare and hurling bottles . Police said fans used chairs and wooden poles as weapons amid chaotic scenes . Five men were later arrested , while a man thought to be a City fan lay motionless on the ground after being punched and kicked in the head . He later declined hospital treatment . When Liverpool played United at Old Trafford in December the match , which ended 3-0 to the home side , passed with a small number of arrests . Police officers on Merseyside are on alert for Sunday 's crunch clash between Liverpool and United at Anfield .
Number of well-known Manchester United hooligans have seen banning orders expire . Merseyside police are preparing for United 's clash against Liverpool . The match between the two rivals carries the highest security risk rating . Both teams are battling for a Champions League place .