EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United are given the go-ahead to trial ‘safe-standing’ for 1,500 fans at Old Trafford once they are allowed to return to full capacity
- Manchester United will install 1,500 rail seats in 2021 as they trial safe standing
- Premier League giants were aware of fan support for safe standing for some time
- All-seater stadiums have been compulsory in the Premier League since 1994-95
- The new seats are not likely to be used until Old Trafford returns to full capacity
Manchester United are to trial safe standing at Old Trafford.
In a historic move, the club will install 1,500 rail seats early next year as part of an initial trial.
United have been well aware of fan support for safe standing for some time and carried out a ‘detailed and comprehensive study’ into the matter last year.
Manchester United have been given the green light to trial safe standing at Old Trafford
The Premier League giants will install 1,500 rail seats (pictured) to be used in the new year
They approached the relevant authorities for permission and have now been given the green light.
They believe the rail seats, which allow people to stand against a barrier, will ‘enhance spectator safety’ in areas where there is persistent standing.
As such, the 1,500 new seats will be added to the J Stand area of the ground, which has traditionally experienced such issues.
A recent change to the stadium safety guide means clubs can now install seats incorporating safety barriers in their grounds.
However, there is still a reluctance to use the term ‘safe standing’ among the authorities.
Standing has been banned in the top two tiers of English football since the Taylor Report, carried out following the Hillsborough disaster of 1989.
United say they are ‘delighted’ with the development. However, the new seats are not likely to be used until Old Trafford returns to its maximum capacity.
Stadiums in England are currently subject to heavily restricted crowd capacity under the Government’s Covid-19 prevention measures.
The club also say they are not aware of any updates as to when the Government may take forward their manifesto commitment to introduce safe standing.
United have also defended the controversial share dividend payments made to their owners, the Glazer family.
In October — despite a substantial drop to revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic and last season’s absence from the Champions League — close to £20 million was paid out to the Americans. At a fans’ forum, the issue was raised and a club spokesperson responded by pointing out that payment of dividends was ‘standard practice for listed companies around the world and falls within our normal course of business’.
Standing has been banned in the top two tiers of English football since the Taylor Report, carried out following the Hillsborough Disaster of 1989
The spokesperson added: ‘By providing a return on investment and encouraging capital discipline, dividends contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of the club.’
It was also pointed out that season ticket prices at United have been frozen for the last nine years.
Meanwhile, as exclusively revealed by Sportsmail, fans will be asked to avoid excessive singing and shouting and to wear face coverings at all times in a bid to help Premier League clubs stage larger-scale test events in future.
Top-flight clubs have signed off on new protocols — some of which go beyond Government mandates — ahead of up to 2,000 fans returning to matches this weekend.
Celtic became first British club to use rail sets when they unveiled them at Celtic Park in 2016
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