An urgent order went out for reinforcements and more riot police rushed to the front line. 'Show of strength,' shouted the commanding officer. 'Draw batons.'
A mob of several hundred protesters had massed just yards away, having left the plaza in front of Old Trafford where trouble erupted 11 days earlier and where steel barricades have since been erected to keep them out.
As a police helicopter hovered overhead, they advanced towards the rear entrance where the Manchester United and Liverpool team buses would normally access the stadium.
United fans are desperate for their billionaire owners to sell up after years of steady decline
One of the dummy Liverpool coaches was delayed after having the air released from its tyres
Current scene off Wharfside Way, where coaches usually enter Old Trafford pic.