Man Utd plan to bring 23,500 fans back to Old Trafford following two months of talks with Government over return

Posted Thursday, October 29, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk

MANCHESTER UNITED are plotting to bring back 23,500 fans to Old Trafford after two months of talks with the Government.

Premier League supporters are yet to return to the stands due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Man Utd are hoping to welcome 23.5000 socially distanced fans back to Old Trafford

Their absence has led to clubs taking a huge financial blow.

Brighton were allowed 2,000 fans at the Amex for their pre-season draw with Chelsea as a trial.

But there have been no instances of Prem supporters back in grounds since.

Other top clubs in Europe including Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have hosted fans this season.

And United hope to be the first English top-flight side to have supporters back.

Old Trafford boasts a mammoth 76,000 capacity.

And the Red Devils reckon they can safely fit 23,500 socially distanced fans in the mammoth arena.

Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche told Sky Sports: “We spent around two months working with the government guidelines to develop the right processes and measures.

“That’s to make sure we can have around 23,500 people in the stadium safely at social distancing.

“I guess sometimes it’s quite amusing to understand why people can gather in other settings such as in an aeroplane, restaurant or even in a cinema.

“But we know we’ve got the plans and the processes ready to deliver match day here safely.”

Indeed, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed a full Old Trafford might have spurred his side on to victory in their 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.

He explained: “In the second half we pushed on and if the Stretford End is full, we might get that ball over the line.”