Man Utd have given an update on the safe standing area at Old Trafford ahead of the Everton game.
United fans in the safe standing section.(Image: 2021 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
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Manchester United have confirmed they will officially open one of the largest safe standing sections in the Premier League when Everton make the trip to Old Trafford on Monday night.
United installed 6,000 additional rail seats in the second tier of the Stretford End in September. The work has now been completed and certified by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority for safe standing.
The addition of the new section adds to existing safe standing areas in all four quadrants of the stadium, while it brings the number of rail seats to 13,577, 18 per cent of total capacity.
The official capacity of Old Trafford following the latest installation of safe standing is 74,412.
United said: "Safe standing is recognised to improve fan safety while also enhancing atmosphere in areas of the ground where fans prefer to stand.
"The club has been gradually expanding safe standing since the first rail seats were installed in the north-east quadrant in 2021, with support from fan representatives and the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust.
"Fans with season tickets in the second tier of the Stretford End were surveyed before work began and this demonstrated strong support for safe standing in the section."
United have worked with fans to improve the atmosphere at Old Trafford, opening lines of dialogue with supporters to permit dozens of flags and banners to be unfurled in the Stretford End.
In August, the club sent an email to season ticket holders about their preferences for music around the game. United wanted to know if ‘Glory Glory Man United’ should be played immediately after a win.
More than 50 per cent wanted the song to be played no matter what, while 24 per cent said they’d prefer no music after a defeat. The decision was made only to play 'Glory Glory' after a win.
United began to play 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' by John Denver shortly before kick-off at Old Trafford at the beginning of last season. The track was released in 1971 and has been an anthem for fans for decades, but the decision to play it directly before kick-off has helped atmosphere.
United will return from the international break when they welcome Everton to Manchester on Monday. Ruben Amorim's side will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games.