Manchester United get go-ahead to install 1,500 barrier seats to allow fans to stand next season

Premier League approves modification to north-east quadrant of Old Trafford

Anthony Martial celebrates with teammate Bruno Fernandes, who provided the Frenchman with the assist for Manchester United's opener in their game against Manchester City, the last in the Premier League before the coronavirus lockdown. United won 2-0. EPA

Manchester United's Anthony Martial opens the scoring against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Reuters

Anthony Martial celebrates. EPA

Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi in action with Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes. Reuters

Manchester United's David de Gea clears the ball under pressure from Manchester City's Sergio Aguero. Reuters

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with their mascot before the match. Reuters

Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi remonstrates with the linesman. AFP

Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, right, in action with Manchester City's Bernardo Silva . Reuters

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling controls the ball. Reuters

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Reuters

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero scores a goal before it is disallowed for offside on a VAR review. Reuters

A message on the shirt of Manchester City players' shirts. Reuters

Manchester United's Anthony Martial attempts to chase down a clearance from Manchester City manager Ederson. Reuters

Manchester City's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus replaces Sergio Aguero. AFP

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominayvies for the ball with Raheem Sterling. AFP

Manchester United have been given approval by the Premier League to install 1,500 barriers at Old Trafford next season which will allow supporters to safely stand.

Proposals were submitted to Trafford Council last year and have now been given the green light by the league to be installed for the 20/21 season.

The seats - which come with a rail for fans to lean on when they stand -will be installed in the north-east quadrant of the 75,000-seater stadium.

Standing at grounds in the top two tiers of England is banned, although Premier League Wolves found some middle ground by installing rail seats at their Molineux ground last year.

"United will now discuss installation options with potential suppliers, working within current UK government recommendations relating to construction site operating procedures and social distancing," the club said.

Managing director Richard Arnold said the seats would "allows us to future-proof the stadium in the event of any changes to the current all-seater stadium policy".

Manchester United Supporters' Trust said they were delighted that the club was given the go-ahead after campaigning for years to make some sections of Old Trafford standing areas.