Manchester United players fear loved ones could be targeted by angry fans during Liverpool clash

Manchester United players fear friends and family attending Monday's clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford could be targeted by furious supporters.

The Premier League fixture will see fan protests against United's owners, the Glazer family, who are accused of overseeing a decline that has left the club bottom of the table after two games of the new season.

Players often host those closest to them in private hospitality boxes but can also secure seats for guests in general admission areas of the stadium, with no separation from other matchgoing fans.

It is understood that some players in Erik ten Hag’s squad have grave reservations about giving tickets to friends and family in those areas for fear they could be targeted if United suffer another chastening night against Liverpool.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Liverpool game, Ten Hag called for unity at the club.

"I can only say the owners want to win and the fans want them behind the club," he said. "I can understand but I’m not that long in the club to see all the background. We have to fight together and be unified."

United, who have already lost to Brighton and Brentford this season, conceded nine goals in two games to their Merseyside rivals last year.

According to sources, Greater Manchester Police are currently not planning to ramp up security measures for the fixture – which is already in the highest risk category – beyond the extra resources needed for an evening match at Old Trafford.

In April 2021, the United vs Liverpool fixture was postponed after fans stormed Old Trafford protesting against the Glazers looking to take the club into the disastrous European Super League breakaway.

United supporters' group 'The 1958' have confirmed they