Football
Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC 7y

Manchester derby between United and City set for April 27 - sources

Jose Mourinho will take his Manchester United team to Manchester City on April 27 after the two clubs agreed to stage their re-arranged derby clash at the Etihad Stadium on a Thursday night, sources have told ESPN FC.

City had been due to host the 174th Manchester derby on Feb. 26, but United's involvement in the EFL Cup final against Southampton at Wembley on the same day forced the Premier League game to be postponed.

City's involvement in the FA Cup and Champions League until last week's elimination at the hands of AS Monaco, alongside United's Europa League commitments, had left the date of the rearranged fixture in doubt.

But with the final midweek of April scheduled to be a week without European football, City and United have agreed to meet on April 27.

With City facing Arsenal at Wembley in the FA Cup semifinal at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 23 -- the same day as United's league trip to Burnley -- Pep Guardiola has got an extra 24 hours recovery time for his players, securing a Thursday date rather than Wednesday, to safeguard against the prospect of extra-time and penalties against the Gunners.

United manager Mourinho has complained about the workload facing his team and lack of assistance provided by the Premier League to help the club pursue success in the Europa League -- United face Belgian league leaders Anderlecht in next month's quarterfinals.

The Premier League have ruled out extending the season to allow United extra time to arrange their game at Southampton, which was postponed earlier this month due to FA Cup commitments.

If United progress to the Europa League final, they will face having to play a further 17 games this season in the space of two months prompting Mourinho to claim his club have 'many enemies' blocking their way to success.

City, meanwhile, are now expected to put back their away game against Middlesbrough, originally scheduled for April 29, by 24 hours to April 30.

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