Shock moment Rangers and Man Utd hooligans clash and throw bottles at each other as police battle to restore order

THIS is the shocking moment Man Utd and Rangers fans clashed in Manchester ahead of tonight's huge European clash.

Both clubs are facing off for the first time since November 2010 and this game had all the makings to be a Europa League classic at Old Trafford.

Rangers and Man Utd were both placed in the top eight of the league phase before the game got underway, with Gers in eighth and the Red Devils one spot ahead.

And given the rich history shared between both British heavyweights, it was always going to be a fiery affair.

That was clear to see even before kick off as both sets of fans appeared to go head-to-head in violent encounters in the streets in the lead up to the game.

Videos show a large number of supporters seemingly clashing with each other while being surrounded by a heavy police presence.

Several clips, which have been widely shared on social media, even appear to show some fans launching bottles and other missiles at each other from opposite sides of the road.

The incidents occurred on Great Ancoats Street - four miles from Old Trafford - with cops on scene and arrests were made.

Rangers fans were actually warned not to travel down south amid the fears over Storm Eowyn.

The Met Office issued red warnings nationwide, with 100mph winds expected up and down the UK over the next 24 hours.

Many supporters will be left in limbo tomorrow when trying to get up the road as public transport will be seriously affected by the weather.

But those who made the trip will hope it's worthwhile in the end and Philippe Clement's men manage to pull off a shock win at Old Trafford.

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