Manchester United To Remove Executive Seats From The Stretford End

Manchester United has announced it is to replace the executive seating area in the Stretford End with general admission season tickets at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, following constructive consultation with the club’s Fans’ Advisory Board.

Following requests from fans, the club worked with its Fans’ Advisory Board to review the presence of executive seating within the Stretford End in support of successful ongoing efforts to enhance the Old Trafford atmosphere.

It has now been agreed that all the seating in the Stretford End will be returned to general admission for the start of the 2024/25 season.

The decision adds to a series of fan-centric steps taken by the club following consultation with fan representatives, including the installation of rail seating and the creation of a dedicated atmosphere section in the Stretford End.

Rick McGagh, Head of Fan Engagement at Manchester United, said: “The Stretford End is one of the most famous stands in world football. It has been the backdrop to many of the most memorable moments in our history, and when it’s at its loudest you can feel the difference it makes to the players, and the connection the fans have with the team.

“Fans and fan groups including MUST and TRA have long campaigned for us to remove the executive seats from the heart of the Stretford End and to make them standard tickets and therefore more accessible to all fans.

“We have listened and agree that as many fans as possible should have the chance to be a Stretford Ender. We have worked with our Fans’ Advisory Board in recent months to make this happen and we are all looking forward to an even louder Stretford End from August 2024.”

Collette Roche, Chief Operating Officer at Manchester United, said: “Structural work will take place over the coming year to return the Stretford End to general admission seating and create a new concourse. During this period, we will be consulting fans to understand how best to repurpose the space currently used by the International Suite.

“We very much value our executive club members who currently sit in the Stretford End and recognise the impact this change will have. The club is committed to working with those affected to find alternative seating where necessary ahead of the 24/25 season.”

“Plans for the long-term redevelopment of Old Trafford continue to progress, while we simultaneously take steps such as this one to improve the matchday experience in the near-term.

“We are grateful to our Fans’ Advisory Board for their backing of this initiative, and believe it provides another positive example of the benefits of dialogue with fans.”