Trial safe standing at Old Trafford next season

Manchester United have been given permission to trial safe standing at Old Trafford next season.

Plans have been approved by Trafford Council for 1,500 rail seats to be installed in the J-Stand, which is located in the north-east section of the stadium.
All-seater stadiums have been mandatory in the top two tiers of English football since 1994 following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which saw 96 Liverpool supporters lose their lives at the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Wolves and Tottenham are currently the only Premier League clubs to have rail seats installed.

If the trial at Old Trafford is successful, further barrier seating could be installed in other parts of the ground.

United managing director Richard Arnold said: “It should be stated, up front, that our overwhelming priority is to keep our people safe from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It may seem strange to talk about stadium plans at this time, but football and our fans will return when it is safe, and our preparations for that must continue in the background.

“This announcement is the latest step in what has been a long journey with our fans.

“We have listened to their feedback, in particular, the representations made by MUST [Manchester United Supporters Trust], and worked with Trafford Council to develop and approve this proposal.

“Our belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where – as with other clubs – we have seen examples of persistent standing.