Manchester United To Create 300 New Spaces At Old Trafford

Manchester United are to relocate 2,600 season ticket holders — including 800 by the start of next season — to help create 300 new places for fans with disabilities.

Premier League clubs have already been made aware that they face heavy fines and even points deductions if they fail to meet an August deadline to become compliant with disability access requirements, according to a report by the Culture, Media and Sport select committee.

United say “all structural work will be completed ahead of the 2017-18 campaign” and confirmed their plans on Tuesday morning. Season ticket holders who are affected by the change will be relocated over three years.

The current East Stand accessible platform will be extended across and into the Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton Stands, and new amenity seating will also be added in these areas.

United are set to cover the cost of relocating fans, should they have to take up more expensive seats, and provide free tickets to all cup ties played at Old Trafford for a year as part of a goodwill package.

Chas Banks, secretary of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA), said: “I’m filled with pride that the club I’ve supported since first coming to Old Trafford as a little boy in 1957, is leading the way in increasing accessible seating to meet the standards set out in the Accessible Stadia guide. It’s a dream come true for me and many other disabled United fans.

“This is a huge task and it can’t be completed overnight. However, it will be completed faster than most believed possible. More importantly, this expansion is the beginning of a process, not the end. Manchester United is constantly looking to improve in every area and I’m confident they will apply that same ambition towards their disabled fans.

“Finally, on behalf of all the disabled members, I’d like to send my sincere thanks to all of our fellow fans who have to move to allow this expansion to happen. Without your cooperation, our dream couldn’t come true and we thank you for your help and patience.”