MANCHESTER UNITED have been given approval for a trial of safe standing at Old Trafford.
The barrier section will be for 1,500 fans in the North East corner of the ground.
Permission was given by Trafford Council with a view to having it in place for the 2020-21 season.
If the trial is successful the club will look to install it into other areas of the ground.
United have made the move after consultation with fans groups and safety officials.
It is being done because persistent standing in seats at either end of the ground is proving more dangerous than actually allowing people to stand with a barrier in front of them.
The concept involved seats with a barrier at their back so people behind can stand and lean against them.
It allows fans the choice of sitting or standing.
Club Managing Director Richard Arnold said: “It should be stated, up front, that our overwhelming priority is to keep our people safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It may seem strange to talk about stadium plans at this time, but football and our fans will return when it is safe, and our preparations for that must continue in the background.
“This announcement is the latest step in what has been a long journey with our fans.
“We have listened to their feedback, in particular, the representations made by MUST (Manchester United Supporters Trust), and worked with Trafford Council to develop and approve this proposal.
“Our belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where – as with other clubs – we have seen examples of persistent standing.
“It also allows us to future-proof the stadium in the event of any changes to the current all-seater stadium policy.
“If the trial is successful, we may consider further implementation of barrier seating in other parts of the stadium.”
United have also consulted with Tottenham and Wolves who have already installed these.
