Manchester United are looking at making changes to Old Trafford in a bid to try to reduce injury to players following the tragic passing of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar
Old Trafford
Old Trafford could soon undergo changes to reduce the risk of player injuries
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Manchester United are exploring ways to adjust the Old Trafford pitch after the issue was raised during a recent fans' forum.
The Old Trafford pitch last underwent major improvements in the 1990s, and was elevated and bordered by a ditch. However, this has contributed to injuries over the years.
According to The Sun, the club will look at changing the 'perimeter' of the pitch, to reduce the risk of injuries. During a United fans' forum held last week, a supporter highlighted that many injuries across the Premier League have been caused by players striking advertising hoardings at speed.
During the meeting, a question was raised about whether the club would 'invest in transparent and soft materials to cover them,' to which a United spokesperson responded: "The health and welfare of all players is of paramount importance.
"We will look into this risk and take appropriate action."
The pitch is bordered by a brickwork barrier, with a rubber-surfaced footpath running in front of the advertising hoardings.
This follows the tragic news that Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar died from a 'significant brain injury' while playing for Chichester City at Wingate & Finchley FC. It is believed the 21-year-old collided with a concrete wall.
While that wall has since been demolished, the Football Association (FA) is expected to carry out an immediate safety review. Meanwhile, Wingate & Finchley have already taken steps to improve safety around the pitch.
Further improvements have also been commissioned, while a petition calling for brick walls around pitches to be banned has already reached over 4,000 signatures.
In 2019, former Reds winger Angel di Maria collided with the Old Trafford advertising hoardings after being barged off the pitch by Ashley Young.
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