90min

Man Utd Reveal Provisional Plans for Fan Return - Including Ticket Prices

By Toby Cudworth

Old Trafford has remained empty for many, many months
Old Trafford has remained empty for many, many months / Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
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Manchester United have revealed their provisional plans for the return of supporters to Old Trafford, to be implemented when Greater Manchester comes out of Tier 3 restrictions.

As it stands, the Red Devils are still unable to welcome fans back into the stadium in line with strict government coronavirus protocols, aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.

But regional restrictions are to be reviewed on a regular basis, and a change in tiering could allow United to welcome 2,000 supporters to their Premier League clash with Leeds United on 20 December.

Man Utd in action against PSG, one of many games played behind closed doors
Man Utd in action against PSG, one of many games played behind closed doors / Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

In anticipation of a potential return, the club have announced in a statement on their website advanced ticketing prices and safety measures. Tickets will be priced at £30 for adults, £15 for Under-20s and over 65s, while children will be charged just £10.

All general admission tickets will be located in sections of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the Stretford End, and fans will be able to apply individually or in groups of two. Wheelchair positions, meanwhile, will also be available in the East Stand.

In terms of ticket distribution, the majority of tickets will be allocated to Season Ticket holders and a ballot will be held on a match-by-match basis to fill the remaining quota available. Applications for that ballot process will be accepted from Season Ticket holders who held their ticket in the 2019/20 season.

On the field, United's season to date has been somewhat of a mixed bag, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side enjoying patches of good form and unexpected blips. The Red Devils were pasted 6-1 at home by Tottenham early on in the season, reigniting speculation over the Norwegian's long-term future at the club.

Solskjaer has been unable to find consistency, but United are still in touch in the Premier League
Solskjaer has been unable to find consistency, but United are still in touch in the Premier League / Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Results have picked up since, but inconsistency continues to haunt United. Progress through to the last 16 of the Champions League now depends on a positive result against RB Leipzig in their final group game, and Solskjaer's side are currently languishing ninth in the Premier League.

However, when put into context, United's start to the domestic season hasn't been too dissimilar to some of their rivals. Tottenham, under the guidance of former manager Jose Mourinho, top the table, but they are just five points ahead of the Red Devils having played a game more.

Manchester City are also struggling, while leaders Liverpool are not the all conquering force they were last season - though much of that can be attributed to a horrific number of injuries, as well as an insanely hectic fixture schedule.