Police say security will be tightened at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium for today's football match against Liverpool after reports the fixture was a possible terror target.

Officers arrested 10 people in anti-terror swoops across northern England on Monday, after which newspapers reported the suspects had tickets for seats scattered throughout the stadium for Saturday's match and were planning to blow up the 67,000-seat venue.

Greater Manchester Police said on Friday that fans attending the game would be subjected to more rigorous security checks as well as increased stop and search procedures.

"Following the arrest of 10 people in anti-terrorism raids on Monday, much speculation has been generated about the intended target of any possible attack," Chief Superintendent Dave Ryder said in a statement.

"After close liaison with MUFC (Manchester United), we have implemented extra security for the game and ask that all supporters be patient with our checks and help us where they can, by arriving early, bringing minimal baggage and remaining vigilant both in and around the ground."

The 10 detainees, said by local media to be of North African and Iraqi Kurdish origin, were held in a series of raids involving 400 police officers.

Detectives said they were arrested "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism" and they are still being questioned.

Neither police, the government nor the club would confirm that Old Trafford was a target, but security was immediately stepped up for Manchester United's game against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.

An attack during a match between Manchester United and Liverpool -- one of the biggest games in the football calendar -- would have been broadcast live around the world. The fierce rivals currently lie third and fourth in the premier league.

Britain is on high alert for attacks after the Madrid train bombings which killed 191 people on March 11. London police chief Sir John Stevens has repeatedly said an attack in Britain, most likely a suicide bombing, is inevitable.