LEIGH Sports Village hosts one of the biggest football matches in its history on Thursday as Manchester United take on local rivals Manchester City in the Barclays U21 Premier League.

It’s a match that has more than just local bragging rights at stake: current U21 Premier League Champions United are in second place in the 2015/16 table, with City hot on their heels in third.

The outcome of Thursday’s game, which takes place under the lights at LSV at 8pm, will go a long way to deciding who can rightly call themselves the best young team in the country.

“It’s wonderful to be able to host such fantastic - and important - games at Leigh Sports Village,” said Chief Executive Simon Toon.

“We’re expecting a big crowd for this one, so we’d urge people to sign up for free tickets and get to the Sports Village for the 8pm kick off as early as they can. With Manchester City fans being allocated the South Stand, there’s sure to be a great atmosphere. ”

Anyone who arrives at LSV 30 minutes or more before the 8pm kick off will be entered into a prize draw to win an exclusive signed David De Gea goalkeeper’s shirt, and The Red Zone Cafe is open from 6.30pm for family friendly pre-match meals and snacks - those who purchase a meal being in with a chance of winning David De Gea gloves.

For more information and to sign up for free tickets go to http://www.leighsportsvillage.co.uk/matchdaytickets/manchester-united/