Manchester United vs Liverpool moved to later kick-off as Uefa accept request to move match on St Patrick's Day

The Europa League last-16 second leg will now kick off at 20:05 as opposed to 18:00

The scene outside Old Trafford ahead of the Europa League last-32 second leg with Midtjylland (Getty Images)

Uefa have confirmed that the Europa League last-16 second leg between Manchester United and Liverpool will take place at the later time of 20:05 after a request from Trafford Council to delay kick-off was accepted.

Trafford Council had asked Uefa to consider the kick-off change due to being unable to fully staff the stadium with the adequate number of security and safety personnel for a European game to be staged at that time.

Not only would a 18:00 kick-off – as was originally scheduled – coincide with the busy rush hour traffic in Manchester, the match is scheduled to be played on St Patrick’s Day, with large crowds expected in the city centre.

A letter from Trafford Council to Uefa read: “Following an approach from Manchester United, Trafford Council’s Safety Advisory Group have written to UEFA, highlighting that it would not be safe to hold this fixture at 6pm with spectators in the stadium.”

However, the clubs have now confirmed that Uefa have approved the request to push back the kick-off, meaning that the second leg will now begin at the later time of 20:05.

The first leg between the two Premier League rivals will take place at 20:05 on Thursday 10 March at Anfield.