United increase safe-standing options

The additional rail seats will be in the south-west quadrant of the stadium, adjoining the Stretford End and home of the club’s vocal Red Army fan group. Installation is due to be completed ahead of our first home Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday 14 August.

United has been expanding safe standing around Old Trafford since January 2022, when the stadium was one of five around England chosen for an initial trial, which began with 1,500 rail seats within the north-east quadrant and 2,500 in the away section.

The latest installation will bring the total number of rail seats in the Theatre of Dreams to more than 6,000.

Following the successful trial, the club was granted a licence by the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) to continue offering safe standing and expand it to other parts of the stadium. Six other Premier League clubs are also applying for licences to expand their rail-seating sections.

Rick McGagh, Manchester United head of fan engagement, said: “We believe safe-standing areas give fans choice about how they watch the game, and increase safety in areas where persistent standing has historically occurred.

“It is something our fans have long campaigned for and we are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from supporters who have stood in the areas we have operated for the past 18 months.

“We are committed to improving the matchday experience for all our fans," McGagh added. "And we will continue to review the potential to install it in other areas of the stadium where appropriate.”

The introduction of licensed standing areas follows research which found that rail seats help reduce the safety risks for fans, compared with standing in normal seated areas.