JUST WHO'S THE BOSS AROUND HERE?
Sky TV are understood to have wanted the match for their Sunday afternoon prime-time slot at 4.05pm. Television coverage at that time would have netted both clubs around £500,000 each.
However, the fixture was switched to a lunch-time kick-off to cut down on potential trouble in the city and around the ground.
Sky was forced to choose the Newcastle United versus Arsenal match at St James' Park as the number one game instead.
The Old Trafford derby was then shown on pay-per-view and the clubs only pocket around £150,000 from such a showing.
Safety is paramount at live events and consultations between the local police, the TV companies, the FA and the clubs involved take place before deciding on match kick-off times.
The derby switch was the 15th time change from the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off Manchester United fans, for example, have had to endure this season, although, not all were down to safety issues.
The Reds have played on every single day of the week this campaign and in the Premiership alone they have played at SEVEN different times of the day.
It is likely they will not play a Premiership match on Saturday at 3 o'clock again this term.
This Saturday their FA Cup 5th round clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford has become a 12.15 kick-off and will be shown on BBC.
After that they have already got another two lunchtime matches scheduled and with Sir Alex Ferguson's side's heavy involvement in the title race more games are expected to be changed.
United fans are at the end of the tether over the problem and it is also a national issue causing football fans nationwide enormous grief.
"It is the biggest single issue we have at the moment. Everybody is getting really fed up with lunchtime kick-offs," says Independent Manchester United Supporters Association chairman Mark Longden.
"The tenders for the next TV contract will be going out around May and the current deal has 12 months to run.
"On a personal level, obviously I will renew my season ticket for next season but if there aren't caveats put in place so that we are guaranteed a minimum number of 3 o'clock kick offs on a Saturday then I am just giving it up.
"That's how badly I feel about it. There are a lot like me as well. We're sick of it.
"The people who are at fault are the FA and the Premier League who negotiate the contracts."
The issue is set to be taken to parliament.
"The Football Supporters Federation at national level are trying to organise another lobby of parliament in April around this issue to coincide just before the release of the tender document," Longden adds.
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