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Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola are once again set to face off in the FA Cup final (Image: Getty)
The FA Cup final kick-off time is reportedly set to be brought forward for the second year running due to Metropolitan Police concerns about fan trouble. A 3pm start for the showdown between Manchester United and Manchester City would create a major headache for rights holders ITV due to the European Champions Cup final.
Organisers brought last year's FA Cup final between United and City forward to 3pm, from the usual 5:15pm slot, for the first time since 2011. With the same two teams set to contest this year's high-stakes match, a repeat looks to be on the cards.
According to The Daily Mail, the Met Police fear any kick-off later than 3pm would increase the risk of fan trouble in and around Wembley. And that is set to outweigh the broadcasting benefits of an early evening slot, which would bring in larger TV audiences.
That's only part of the problem for ITV, who also hold the broadcasting rights to rugby union's European Champions Cup final, which is scheduled to get underway at 2:45pm on May 25.
The Metropolitan Police are concerned about possible fan trouble outside Wembley (Image: Getty)
A clash between the two matches is likely to see the rugby moved to ITV4, consequently damaging their viewing figures. European Champions Cup organisers are unwilling to move the kick-off time due to coverage of the Cannes Film Festival and the French Cup final on the same day.
The FA Cup final kick-off time is reportedly set to be announced later this week after talks between key stakeholders including police, the local council and broadcasters.
Meetings between United and City always generate a significant buzz, although unlike last year, Pep Guardiola's Sky Blues will not be fighting for the treble when they rock up to Wembley, having been knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid.
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City beat United 2-1 in last season's FA Cup final, with Ilkay Gundogan opening the scoring after just 12 seconds. The German went on to score the winner in the second half after Bruno Fernandes equalised from the spot, as City lifted the trophy one week before defeating Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Guardiola and co punched their ticket to Wembley this year by beating Chelsea 1-0 in Saturday's semi-final. While it was far from plain sailing for the reigning champions, United had an even tougher time as second-tier Coventry City forced them into a penalty shootout.
Rasmus Hojlund ultimately netted the decisive spot-kick to set up a mouth-watering meeting with City which could have a significant impact on Erik ten Hag's future as Man Utd manager.
