Man Utd face having stadium capacity REDUCED by government body who have power to close parts of Old Trafford
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MANCHESTER UNITED risk having their stadium's capacity reduced by a government body, according to reports. The Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) have the power to close parts of Old Trafford. It comes after the SGSA have warned United to clamp down on "persistent standing" inside the Theatre of Dreams.
![[Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ground-view-inside-stadium-manchester-965212985.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Footage emerged online after Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Brighton of stewards taking photographs of fans who were standing up. The group has outlined its concerns with the number of fans standing in certain parts of the ground, including the Stretford End. Standing is only permitted in designated areas with barriers or rails to keep fans safe, as long as certain criteria are met.
![[Exterior view of Old Trafford stadium before a Manchester United soccer match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-general-view-outside-stadium-964215151.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
United claim that they've never had any recorded injuries from fans standing. According to The Mail, it is understood they have been left surprised by the mid-season pressure from the SGSA. The Red Devils have effectively been forced to take stronger action to risk having the capacity reduced.
![[General view of Old Trafford stadium before a Premier League match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gv-ahead-premier-league-match-964239076.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But there is no suggestion that tipping point has been reached. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS. The club have also successfully rolled out safe-standing in several sections of Old Trafford. And rail seating now accounts for more than 10 per cent of the stadium.
United first introduced safe standing in January 2022, when the stadium was one of five chosen for a trial period. They received government approval following a series of trials. Ruben Amorim and his players are back in action on Thursday when they face Rangers in the Europa League.
