Man Utd want to hold safe standing trials at Old Trafford when season restarts after coronavirus delay
MANCHESTER UNITED are hopeful of pressing on with plans to introduce safe standing at Old Trafford once the season returns.
The Red Devils wanted to open a 1,500 rail seating area in the stadium that would allow supporters to stand at matches before coronavirus disrupted the campaign.
Positive talks had been held between the club and council with supporters giving the idea the thumbs up.
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It means a section of fans would be able to stand against rails throughout the match instead of seating.
It is likely to be placed in the corner between the Sir Alex Ferguson and East Stand.
But any development on the plan can only go ahead once the Government gives the green light to restart the campaign with the involvement of supporters which remains unlikely.
The remaining 92 top-flight matches will then played over a four or five-week period behind closed doors.
It could mean that teams will refund season ticket holders for the games they are forced to miss.
The 20 teams will meet in a video conference this Friday to speak about coronavirus crisis issues.
Some top-flight clubs have warned players they could be back in training on May 11 while some EFL sides would like their squad to return on May 4.
Clubs are looking at the minimum numbers of staff — about 250 — needed to stage games behind closed doors.
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On Friday, clubs will also discuss the situation with TV companies.
If the season was not to finish, clubs, in theory, could hand back £371million to Sky Sports and £50m to BT Sport.
Both have remained flexible but will expect to screen more than their contracted matches when the season resumes.