United begins work on replacing Stretford End’s executive seating

Manchester United has commenced work on replacing executive seating in the Stretford End at Old Trafford with general admission season ticket seats, while the stadium’s iconic players’ tunnel is also being redesigned.

United announced back in January 2023 that it would replace the Stretford End’s executive seating with season ticket seats after consultation with its fans’ advisory board.

It was agreed that all 850 executive seats in the stand would be returned to general admission for the start of the 2024-25 season, and the work officially commenced on Monday.

The executive seats are located in two sections of the Stretford End. Concrete foundation is currently visible in the two sections following the start of construction. The decision to replace the executive seating was taken after United installed rail seating in the Stretford End and introduced a dedicated atmosphere section in the stand.

The Stretford End was originally a standing terrace before being redeveloped into an all-seater stand in the early 1990s. The International Suite was later opened with a small section of executive seating in the first tier, before a second tier was added in 2000.

All executive seating will be removed before the start of the new season. United will open the 2024-25 Premier League season with a home match against Fulham on August 16.

Rick McGagh, director of fan engagement at United, said: “We are delighted that from August the Stretford End – one of the most famous and iconic stands in world football – will once again be accessible to all fans.

“It is the heartbeat of our ground and has been the backdrop to many last-minute winners and incredible moments over the years. The re-introduction of general admission tickets, along with the additional youth season tickets, The Red Army atmosphere section and a thousand loyal season tickets relocating to the Stretford End from other parts of the ground will really make a difference and create an incredible atmosphere to support the team.”

United has also commenced work on a redesign of the players’ tunnel at Old Trafford to create a “performance environment” that can “inspire and motivate” its teams on match days.

The new-look tunnel will seek to provide a more modern and premium space for United players. Existing plaques in memory of former club president John Henry Davis and former owner James W. Gibson will be given new homes within the tunnel, with the project to be completed in time for the new season.

United is currently exploring options for future stadium plans, with options including the redevelopment of Old Trafford and the construction of a new venue on an adjacent area of land.

In May, United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe gave his backing to the case for public money to help fund the club’s ‘Wembley of the North’ stadium plan. The club has created a taskforce that includes Sebastian Coe, Andy Burnham and Gary Neville to explore options for the redevelopment of Old Trafford.