MANCHESTER UNITED want safe standing at Old Trafford – and it could be in place before the end of the season.
The Daily Mail report that the club have contacted their local authority to ask for permission to bring in 1,500 rail seats in the ground’s North East Quadrant.
United believe the seats, which allow people to stand against a barrier, will “enhance spectator safety” in areas where fans regularly stand anyway.
The club are awaiting a reply from the Safety Advisory Group or whether the move will get the go ahead or not.
If it comes quickly, then the Mail add that a trial could take place this season.
United had launched a consultation on the matter back in September and formally submitted the request in December.
A recent change to the stadium safety guide allows clubs to now install seats with safety barriers in their grounds.
A report by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority found that having barriers in grounds such as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wolves’ home Molineux “mitigated risk of crowd collapse”.
Meanwhile, United have confirmed their decision to cut away allocation to 3,000 for both legs of last month’s Carabao Cup semi-final against City was because they have been “unfairly” treated by their neighbours.
The club called City’s decision to reduce their allocation at the Etihad for previous matches “incorrect”.
United are the only team whose visit to the ground is classed as having a “high risk of disorder”.
The Red Devils have now promised that they will try to provide full allocations in future.
