Why Ollie Norwood would be "gutted" if Manchester United v Sheffield United doesn't take place at Old Trafford

Norwood grew up in the academy system of the 20-time English champions, before leaving Old Trafford in pursuit of first-team football in 2009. He made his Premier League debut on the opening day of the 2019/20 season, in United's draw at Bournemouth, and the away clash at Old Trafford would have been Norwood's first top-flight appearance at his former stomping ground.

The venue for the clash between the original United and their namesakes from Manchester is still up in the air, though, with police featuring that fixture on a list of games they want played at neutral venues.

The Star understands the reasons for that request have yet to be communicated to officials at Bramall Lane, while Greater Manchester Police later confirmed to this newspaper that no final decision has yet been taken on where the game will be staged.

Asked about the possibility of playing the game at a neutral venue, Norwood admitted: "I'd be pretty gutted, really, if that was to happen but the safety of the public's obviously more important.

"If the police feel it's not safe and the Government feel it's not safe, then we're guided by that - there's nothing we can do. But we're both going to be in the Premier League next year so hopefully we get that opportunity then, if it's not going to be this year.

“It was where I learnt my football education and I never had the opportunity to go back there and play since I left. It would have been a fantastic occasion to play at Old Trafford and walk out where it all began but if it's not to be, it's not to be. It's one of those things.

“It's getting pretty boring (saying it) but we are guided what we're told to do and if that's what they think is the safest option, that's the safest option."