Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola Rivalry Included in Manchester Derby Police Plan

Police officers in attendance at Saturday’s Manchester derby will reportedly be briefed on the rivalry between managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. 

That’s according to Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, who has suggested those on duty for the clash at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Manchester City will be aware of how the spiky dynamic could impact proceedings at the stadium.

In addition, after the Red Devils had a match abandoned at home to Bournemouth on the final day of last season after a dummy bomb was discovered, “every member of United's security staff charged with making stadium searches has been re-trained.”

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It will be the first time United boss Mourinho and City chief Guardiola, both appointed by their respective sides in the summer, will meet in the Premier League.

There’ll be plenty of attention on the duo, having previously locked horns during their time in Spain as managers of Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. While supporters have long been aware of the fractious relationship between the pair, so, too, will the 400 police officers set to descend on Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

"There is no intelligence to suggest that there will be mass disorder," said a source quoted by Keegan. "And while it does not necessarily affect the risk element, police are aware of the [Mourinho]/[Guardiola] rivalry and that the arrival of the new managers and their own rivalry could bring heightened tension."

The angst between Mourinho and Guardiola has a long history, gathering pace when the former’s Inter Milan team defeated the latter’s Barcelona in the 2010 UEFA Champions League semi-final. However, it reached new heights when the Portuguese took over at Real Madrid.

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"One day I would like [Guardiola] to win this competition properly," said Mourinho after his side was eliminated by Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League semi-final, per Peter Smith of Sky Sports. Earlier in the campaign Guardiola angrily named Mourinho as “the f--king boss” in a press conference.

To start the following season, the Super Cup clash between the two sides was marred by Mourinho prodding his finger into the eye of Barcelona assistant boss Tito Vilanova. Here’s a reminder of that flashpoint:

Guardiola played down the rivalry earlier this year, suggesting “it’s not about me or him,” per Liam Prenderville of the Daily Mirror.

Mourinho also insisted he’d have no problem shaking his rival’s hand ahead of their postponed International Champions Cup clash. “Why shouldn’t I shake hands with him?,” said the United boss, per Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror. “No reason why not.”

Given the start both teams have enjoyed—each winning their first three games—it will be fascinating to see if this amiable approach persists from both camps during what’s set to be a white-hot, derby-day atmosphere on Saturday.