Manchester readies itself as 3,000 Paris Saint-Germain fans set to descend on our city for United clash - sparking travel warnings

As many as 3,000 Paris Saint-Germain fans are descending on our city today as Old Trafford plays host to a crucial Champions League tie this evening.

With the game set to kick off at 8pm, there are fears that the event could gridlock the city centre. 

A sell-out crowd of 75,000 is expected, with the Young Voices children's choir concert also on Manchester Arena tonight.

Both police and Transport for Greater Manchester have warned public transport is expected to be 'much busier than usual' and people should plan their journeys in advance.

Ryan Carter, TfGM’s events and customer information manager, said: "We have been working closely with GMP and our other partners to organise the transport plan for Tuesday.

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"The game is expected to see a sell-out crowd of 75,000 in attendance and as such public transport is expected to be much busier than usual.

"In addition, highways in and around the Old Trafford area are expected to be very busy in the build up to kick-off.

"Extra capacity has been added to the Metrolink network and we’re encouraging away fans to head to Exchange Square and board a tram to Trafford Bar.

"On the night, we will be monitoring the network with our 24 hour control room and will have contingency plans in place to help manage what will be a dynamic situation.

"We would advise anyone travelling on the date to allow extra time to make their journey, plan ahead, check our advice and consider all their available transport options."

Ian Hopkins, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, admitted there was 'no simple solution' to the issue of dealing with an influx of foreign fans arriving for European ties.

However he said that he wanted to end the 'custom and practice' of visiting fans being escorted by police to Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium for such games.

Previous facilitated marches have combined with roadworks and resulting rolling road blocks to create traffic misery for commuters.

There are no current plans in place for a facilitated march for the PSG game from Shambles Square, where fans have traditionally gathered, but the situation could change quickly.

Transport bosses said 'extra capacity' has been added to the Metrolink network and PSG fans would be 'encouraged' to board trams for Trafford Bar at Exchange Square in Manchester city centre - which is opposite Shambles Square.

Transport for Greater Manchester staff will be on hand to personally assist fans gathered at the square.

A queuing system will be in place and passengers using the stop, but not going to the match, are being asked to use access points at the Arndale/Selfridge’s end. A contingency fleet of buses will also be on standby to shuttle fans to the ground.

Should PSG fans decide to walk however, police would be powerless to stop it.

A facilitated march would then swing into action, should they choose not to take public transport.

Warnings, and a map of the walking route, would then be issued by Transport for Greater Manchester on social media.

Mr Hopkins said GMP had sought to prevent a police-facilitated march last November, which saw thousands of fans of Swiss side BSC Young Boys walking in unison to Old Trafford for the United game, but supporters 'said they were going to do it anyway', leaving the force with little option.

Assistant chief constable Rob Potts, match commander for the PSG game, said police and TfGM were 'seeking to avoid' police walks to the stadiums in future.

He told the M.E.N.: "Given the expected increased footfall, we would advise people to plan their journeys accordingly.

"Alongside TfGM, our local authorities and football clubs, we remain committed to working together to reduce the impact that the movement of large numbers of football supporters has on road congestion in Greater Manchester.

"This involves working with supporters; providing and signposting alternative options, including public transport and seeking to avoid any large scale walk from the city centre to a particular football ground. 

"Our work will continue on this match and in the future as we strive to minimise avoidable disruption and maximise the safety of all our communities that may be impacted by this and other events."