Manchester United reveals plans to get fans back to Old Trafford

The club will welcome 2,000 fans later this month for a Premier League game against Leeds United.

Manchester United, as they seek to get supporters on the field for their match against Leeds United on December 20, announced their intentions to carry fans back to Old Trafford.

With respect to coronavirus limits, Greater Manchester is currently in Tier 3, meaning that matches must continue to be played without spectators.

Tier 2 has been joined by other parts of the world, such as London, ensuring matches will take place with a small number of supporters, including the north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham on Sunday.

The UK Government will meet to revisit coronavirus restrictions four days before Man Utd takes on Leeds at Old Trafford and could move Greater Manchester to Tier 2, which would allow 2,000 supporters to attend the Premier League match.

United also created a schedule in preparation for the return of fans that will allocate the bulk of seats to season ticket holders. The club would also ask fans to agree on a code of conduct that “encourages respectful behavior and social distancing, and involves the practical rules that will be enforced at Old Trafford to ensure the safest possible environment for everyone.”

Collette Roche, Chief Operating Officer of Man Utd, told the club’s official website: “It is essential to present these conditional plans for our fans’ return to enable preparations to be made.”

We look forward to having them back and thanking them for their patience and support in advance of our new operational procedures that are in place to keep everyone safe. Responsible behavior will help create confidence and trust, allowing us to step back in the future to higher capacity numbers once the constraints of Manchester are reduced.

In terms of the adjustments to their usual matchday routines, we know we are asking a lot from our fans. In return, we are committed to making the experience for them and their families as secure as possible and have kept ticket prices low as well.

“A word of caution: before applying for any provisional ballots, fans must consider their own health and pay attention to the local regulations that are in place wherever they reside. All the specific details we will give to those who are active in future ballots should also be read carefully by them.

“We also appreciate the continued support of the Trafford Council, our local suppliers and employees who have been working hard to develop these plans.”

Man Utd still have four games until Leeds’ visit, including the derby against Man City at Old Trafford next weekend.