Manchester United and Man City face FA Cup Final uncertainty over 'high-risk' kick-off time

Manchester United will face Man City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley next month after a dramatic weekend of semi-final fixtures.

It will be the first repeat of a final in successive seasons during the modern era of the competition, with City triumphing over United last season in the second part of their historic Treble.

Pep Guardiola's side reached the final after a late Bernardo Silva goal downed Chelsea on Saturday night, while United had to rely on penalties to overcome Coventry after they had inexplicably surrendered a three-goal lead in the game.

It means we will see a Manchester Derby to decide the FA Cup winner's for the second season in a row, and only the second time in the 152 year history of the competition.

The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday 25 May, however there is uncertainty over when it will kick-off due to the huge police presence that will required for such a volatile fixture. A year ago, it was a traditional 3pm kick-off after the Metropolitan Police deemed it to be a 'high-risk' fixture.

Many supporters would love it to remain in it's traditional slot, however there is an element of uncertainty given that one of the main British broadcasters, ITV, will also be showing the rugby union Champions Cup Final at 2.45pm from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

If they are able to showcase the two showpiece events then a 5.15pm kick-off might be required, which would be a logistical nightmare for the thousands of supporters attending the game. Currently, the only direct train possible for supporters of both clubs to get on would be the 8.18pm service from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. Not only would supporters struggle to get on the service, they would also risk missing it if the match went to extra-time and penalties.