Old Trafford’s capacity at risk of being reduced after Man United receive threat from government body

The capacity of Manchester United’s iconic home, Old Trafford, is at risk of being reduced amidst concerns over the number of fans standing during games.

This is according to the Daily Mail who report that the Sports Ground Safety Authority, the Government’s advisor on sports stadia in the UK, has “forced” United to “take stronger action” over the issue.

According to the newspaper, “United are coming under increasing pressure from a government body to clamp down on ‘persistent standing’ inside Old Trafford – and risk having the capacity reduced if they fail to do so.”

“The SGSA has the power to close parts of Old Trafford, and while there is no suggestion that tipping point has been reached, sources say United’s hands are tied and have been left with no choice but to be more proactive.”

“The group has outlined its concerns with the number of fans standing in certain parts of the ground, including the Stretford End.”

This development comes after footage emerged online after the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, of stewards taking photographs of fans who were standing up.

The stewards were urging fans to sit down, but it is understood that their approach did not sit well with some sections of the fanbase, who viewed the act of taking photos as a “drastic measure.”

The Mail note that United are adamant they have never recorded any injuries arising from persistent standing.

The Red Devils have been left “surprised” by SSGSA’s directive as they believe they’ve done everything possible to comply with the body’s rules and requirements.

In July 2023, United confirmed the addition of a further 2,100 safe-standing seats at Old Trafford, bringing the total to 6,000.

The extra rail seats were added in the south west quadrant of the stadium, adjoining the Stretford End and the home of the Red Army fan group.

United first introduced safe standing at the Theatre of Dreams in January 2022, when the stadium was one of five chosen for a trial period, which began with 1,500 rail seats in the north east quadrant and 2,500 in the away end.

Ruben Amorim and his players are back in action on Thursday when they face Rangers in the Europa League.

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