Tensions rise as City snub United plea to switch derby game

MANCHESTER CITY have snubbed a plea from United to move their derby fixture back 24 hours.

An Old Trafford representative requested the game at Eastlands, scheduled for lunchtime on Saturday, May 4, be moved in order to provide them with more recovery time as they are not due to return from their Champions League semi-final in Milan until the early hours of Thursday morning.

Given Alex Ferguson’s men would only have 48 hours preparation time, United felt it was perfectly reasonable to request a delay, even though the match is due to be screened by Sky TV.

However, City rejected the request out of hand and have insisted the game should be played as planned, with a 12.45pm kick-off. News of the snub will only further fuel tensions between the two sets of fans over what has long been viewed as a powder keg game.

At one stage, it was feared the match could not only see United crowned champions but send City down, a nightmare scenario for Greater Manchester Police.

The Blues’ relegation fears have now eased but the Red Devils still have an outside chance of clinching the title by winning the match.

For such a situation to unfold, United would have to beat Everton at Goodison Park this weekend, while Chelsea would need to lose their home game against Bolton.

That would leave Ferguson’s side holding a six-point advantage, knowing a win over City would effectively seal the championship given their vast goal difference advantage over Chelsea.

Meanwhile prospective owner Ray Ranson has assured Manchester City fans he would not plunge the Blues into further debt should his takeover plans succeed.

Ranson has confirmed he made “indicative proposals” to the City board over a potential buyout and even though his offer did not receive a favourable response, is now considering making another bid.

The Blues board have distanced themselves from any Ranson approach, believing the former City star’s plans would worsen the club’s financial situation.

However, after news emerged of a potential £90million offer, which would include wiping out a £20million debt owed to chairman John Wardle and his former business partner David Makin, plus a £20million transfer kitty, Ranson has issued a statement through the Stock Market clarifying his current position.

“Ray Ranson can confirm that he is interested in buying the club and has, over the past couple of months, made indicative proposals to the club concerning a possible offer,” the statement read.

“Ray is yet to receive a positive response from the board to these indicative proposals and is currently considering making a further proposal to the board of the club.”

Given his City background, many Blues fans would welcome his involvement, particularly given the assurances over the club’s debt position.

Whether he achieves his aim remains to be seen.