A football fan has died after being punched by a rival supporter during a night out in Manchester city centre.

The 49-year-old man was walking along King Street West at around 3.10am on Sunday, August 31, when there was an argument with two other men.

The row was sparked by an argument over City and United.

The victim was walking with a friend near Kendals, when he was assaulted moments after a dispute over the teams.

He was punched and fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement. The two men ran off in the direction of Deansgate towards Bridge Street.

Updated:

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died earlier today.

A formal identification and post-mortem are still to take place.

One of his attackers is described as white, 6ft tall and of slim build. The other was Asian, 5ft 7in tall of medium build and had black hair.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Eales said: “First and foremost I would like to extend my condolences to this man’s family at what is clearly a very traumatic and difficult time for them.

“Our investigation is focused on establishing exactly what happened during the early hours of Sunday, 31 August and exactly how this man came to sustain what are now fatal injuries.

“I do not want to speculate on what happened and that is why it is so important we speak to anyone who was present at the location during this incident and witnessed what went on.

“I would urge anyone with information to contact the incident room and would appeal directly to the two men involved to come forward.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 3400 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police said the victim had been enjoying a night out with a friend with both of them deciding to buy some takeaway food.

The incident came just hours after both Manchester teams had got poor results - City losing at home to Stoke 0-1 and United drawing 0-0 with Burnley.

It has not been revealed which team the victim and attacker support.