City versus United. Red versus blue. The Citizens versus the Red Devils. Pep versus Erik. Erling versus Bruno.
Derby day in Manchester presents all sorts of cross-city rivalries, but this Sunday’s (March 3) clash at The Etihad will have one more face-off. This time, it will be on the Metrolink.
That’s because City fan Liam Gallagher and United-lover John Squire are doing tannoy announcements on trams ahead of kick-off. The duo have just released a self-titled album.
As well as enjoying home advantage on the pitch, Liam has experience of delivering the announcements, doing so for last year’s Beyond The Music festival. Passengers will hear the announcements on services going via Manchester city centre tram stops and the Ashton line from midday on Sunday.
There will also be a special competition across the Bee Network offering exclusive prizes this weekend linked to the pair’s new album, with adverts at stations and trams giving details of how to enter.
Andy Burnham, an Everton season-ticket holder, has no skin in the derby game — but says he is looking forward to the match. The Mayor said: “We’re buzzing that, once again, Liam is supporting the Bee Network and his home town.
“By all accounts, their new album is a new Manchester classic. Football, music and the Bee Network. Sounds like the perfect Sunday to me!”
The Manchester derby kicks off at 3.30pm on Sunday, March 3, with buses, trams, and the roads expected to be busy. Fans should plan their journey ahead online.
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