Manchester City have refused a request to move back their
derby fixture against Manchester United next month. United are
scheduled to face City on Saturday 5 May at Eastlands, less than
three days after the Champions League semi-final, second leg in
Milan.
The Reds, who are also in the hunt for the Premiership title, asked
to delay the derby game until Sunday 6 May. However, City rejected
the request and insist the game must go ahead as planned, with a
7.45 kick-off. Extra spice had been added to the Manchester derby
when it appeared United would clinch the Premiership title with
victory at Eastlands.
However, that scenario is now an outside prospect as United would
have to beat Everton at Goodison this weekend, while Chelsea would
need to lose their home game against Bolton. That would leave Sir
Alex Ferguson's side holding a six-point advantage, knowing a win
over Stuart Pearce's City would effectively seal the
championship.
United won this season's reverse fixture in December at Old
Trafford 3-1, with goals from Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and
Cristiano Ronaldo.
