Old Trafford modified to allow in 23,500 socially distanced fans when Government permits

Manchester United are ready to let 23,500 fans in after modifying Old Trafford – and say they are ‘bemused’ by Government’s ongoing ban on football fans

Manchester United are taking measures to prepare for the return of supporters by modifying Old Trafford to accommodate social distancing among fans.

Steps are being put in place for the famous stadium to welcome back fans as soon as the green light is given by the Government, with United hopeful of having a smooth and well polished system in place.

The club are said to have been left ‘bemused’ by the confusion with the ongoing situation, with football supporters still banned from attending matches despite public interactions and gatherings now permitted in other areas of daily life. 

Old Trafford is being modified so as to be able to safely accommodate 23,500 supporters

‘We received government guidelines,’ Collette Roche, United’s chief operating officer told Sky Sports News

‘I’m convinced that we would be able to [accommodate fans] safely.

‘It’s quite bemusing to understand why people can gather in other settings such as on an aeroplane or in a restaurant, or even in a cinema to watch football, when we know we’ve got the plans and the process is ready to deliver a match day here safely.

United are 'bemused' by the continued ban on fans despite other industries opening back up

United are ‘bemused’ by the continued ban on fans despite other industries opening back up

Like many clubs around the country United are eager to bring fans back into the stadium (photo from December 2018)

Like many clubs around the country United are eager to bring fans back into the stadium (photo from December 2018)

‘We spent around two months working with the government guidelines to develop the right processes and measures to make sure that we can have around 23,500 people in this stadium safely social distancing.’

 United have also confirmed that if and when supporters are finally permitted to attend matches again, a system will be implemented for timed arrivals at the ground, in order to avoid congestion and minimise contact.

Fans would also be temperature checked upon entry to the stadium, before making their way inside to the socially distanced zones. 

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