In Manchester the major bus companies and transport agency put in action their plans to ensure transportation across the city is as painless as possible for the legions of supporters – while keeping the regular one million-plus commuting journeys in the region also flowing smoothly.

Shuttle buses for both sets of fans will be running to the stadium from Princess Street and Piccadilly Gardens between 8am and kick-off at 7.45pm.

Regular bus services to the stadium, some as frequent as every five minutes, include the 216, 217, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, X36 and X37.

There will be spaces for 400 pre-booked coaches at The City of Manchester Stadium for fans with tickets and a further 400 spaces at Old Trafford cricket ground for fans without tickets.

Supporters arriving at Old Trafford are being encouraged to get the tram into the city centre and walk on to the fan zones at Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens.

Signed walking routes from Old Trafford to the city centre and on to the stadium will be in place throughout the day.

As the match could finish as late as 10.30pm, 10 additional trams will run between Piccadilly and areas where fans are expected, with a six-minute instead of 12-minute service operating and every other service a double tram.

A further 26 buses will be running from 9.30pm to 4am, initially from the stadium to the city centre.

Michael Renshaw, of Greater Manchester Public Transport Executive, said: “We are doing everything we can to make sure fans can get to the city centre and the stadium as easily as possible.

“ “Inevitably bus, train and tram services to and from the city centre will be much busier than normal and I would encourage passengers to allow extra time for their journeys.”

Information about public transport services in Greater Manchester is available at www.gmpte.com , or by calling Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.