Manchester United announce ‘significant’ structural changes at Old Trafford

Manchester United have this morning (January 24) confirmed new plans to improve accessibility at Old Trafford.

Following a consultation with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA), the club decided to implement a series of improvements to the stadium’s provision for disabled fans.

Calling the upcoming structural work “significant”, United said the project will accommodate more than 300 new positions for disabled supporters, including new wheelchair user platforms, wider vomitories and new disabled amenity seats.

All structural works will be finished before the 2017/18 season.

As the changes will displace around 2,600 Season Ticket holders, United have put together a three-year phased programme for relocating fans from their seats and finding suitable alternative seating.

The first phase will see around 800 fans relocated for the 2017/18 campaign.

Richard Arnold, the club’s group managing director, said: “Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes.

“Manchester United prides itself on its work in this area for more than 25 years, and will continue to ensure that it remains at the forefront of our thinking.”

He added: “In recent years, the club has introduced designated areas where wheelchair users can sit alongside friends and family, was one of the first in the country to install a Changing Places facility, while our Ability Suite remains the best accessibility lounge in any UK sports stadium, over a decade after its initial introduction.”

Speaking further, Mr Arnold said that while it will be a “sacrifice” for many of the affected Season Ticket holders to give up their seats, he is confident “the vast majority will understand and support this expansion”.

MUDSA secretary Chas Banks commented: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

Earlier this month, fellow Prem side Everton revealed similar plans to make their stadium more accessible for disabled fans.

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