Why is Man Utd vs Liverpool kick off time different to normal Super Sunday?

Manchester United vs Liverpool is not the first game as part of a Super Sunday line-up to have been moved to a different kick off time, and the reason has been explained

Sky Sports’ Super Sunday programming has seen an important shake-up this weekend as Manchester United and Liverpool face off.

Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils meet with Arne Slot’s Reds at Old Trafford today (September 1), with far more than Premier League points on the line. The North-West Derby between Liverpool and United is one of the UK’s most heated rivalries, stemming from a bitter dislike between fans of the two clubs.

While Super Sunday games usually kick off at 2pm and 4.30pm these days, this weekend’s clash of the titans will instead take place at 4pm – and it’s due to police reportedly agreeing a £7million deal with the Premier League to help prevent crowd problems, as per the Daily Mail.

The move means that police will be better posed to deal with fans who have been drinking throughout the day, as well as those who could start trouble if tensions boil over. With United vs Liverpool being brought forward, it had a knock-on effect for Newcastle vs Tottenham, which will begin at 1.30pm in order for it to not clash with Sky’s coverage at Old Trafford.