Chinese president Xi Jinping to take Manchester City tour, despite being a Manchester United fan

Chancellor George Osborne is doing his best to maintain harmony ahead of the visit to the Etihad

Xi Jinping (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester will be divided this weekend when the city's two teams meet at Old Trafford, so Chancellor George Osborne is doing his bit to "maintain harmony".

Manchester United host Manchester City in one of the biggest games of the season on Sunday, with not only local bragging rights at stake, but, with both sides competing at the top of the table, for the first time in a couple of years there is a sense that the result could be crucial to where the Premier League title ends up.

But before Manchester City can place all their focus on the match, first they have a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ahead of the trip, the Chancellor did his best to keep things diplomatic by presenting Mr Xi with a Manchester United football.

The gift will have gone down well with Mr Xi, despite his impending tour of the Etihad. The Chinese president is a life-long Manchester United fan.

It's understood he will meet with Patrick Vieira whilst on a tour at Manchester City. However, it's reported he will also make time to meet with Manchester United legend Gary Neville.