SPORTS AGENDA: Old Trafford revamp set to focus on adding 15,000 seats

Manchester United announced last week that they would be using the same master planners who designed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to oversee the Old Trafford revamp.

Early indications are that about 15,000 more seats — along with a long overdue upgrade of the club’s corporate facilities — are the most likely outcomes.

An extension of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand is on the cards, which would take capacity to around 88,000. That would leave Old Trafford’s capacity as second only to Wembley among UK stadiums. 

United have around 100,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets and want to ensure that there is enough demand for the expanded stadium to be full on a regular basis.

The work is likely to cost more than £200million. It is understood that the club’s existing debt, which was £495m at the end of 2021, will not prevent them from borrowing more money.

That figure remains on the books following the Glazer family’s leveraged takeover in 2005.

Half-time television interviews with managers and coaching staff may be part of live broadcasts from next season, with proposals already sent to clubs, Sports Agenda has learned.

Premier League sides are set to vote on what would be a historic move at their June AGM. It is understood instances would be limited to five a season per manager/coach, and those whose sides are losing would not be approached. 

Such interviews, which would take place at the beginning or end of the half-time break, are commonplace in the US but are yet to be seen here.

The plans have been given a warm reception by media departments throughout the top flight.

The agency that look after Erik ten Hag may be gladdened by their client’s imminent arrival at Manchester United for more reasons than one.