League officials have confirmed the match, which could prove pivotal in the destination of the title, will definitely be moved from its original date on Easter Monday, April 21.

Both clubs look set to be involved in important Champions League quarter-final second-leg ties that week, making postponement inevitable.

Negotiations are presently ongoing with the Premier League anxious to avoid a situation where they are forced to dictate exactly when the game must beplayed.

However, it seems certain the clubs will be looking at different dates for the fixture.

United have traditionally brought the game forward by two or three months, as was the case with their home clash with Liverpool last season, to avoid an end of season backlog.

Arsenal though will probably be eager to delay the fixture as long as possible, keeping it as a fall-back in case they slip behind the chief threat to their championship.

That situation is also likely to appeal to broadcasters Sky, who will hope to have as much riding on the game is possible.

Windows of opportunity are scarce however. The Premier League have already ruled out a January re-arrangement, while if either club has a lengthy FA Cup run, the situation would become more complicated still.

Already there are only six free midweek dates between the end of January and the final game of the campaign on May 11, and these include dates kept free for FA Cup replays.