Plans are being discussed for Manchester United’s players to clap their fans in a formal pre-match ritual before games at Old Trafford.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and captain Harry Maguire will be asked for their view of the proposal, which has been put forward by fans of the club.
At the moment, there is no set procedure in place for United’s players to acknowledge the support of fans, with it left up to individuals to clap once the teams have been introduced.
But a suggestion has been put forward, whereby United’s players would all gather in the centre circle and applaud fans before kick-off at every home game, in recognition of their enduring support.
The proposal was raised at a United fans forum meeting before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus and due to be put to Solskjaer and Maguire for consideration.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The purpose of the plan is to further strengthen the bond between United’s players and fans, by ensuring all 11 players show their appreciation for the support before kick-off.
United’s players currently walk out to the anthem ‘This Is The One’ by the Stone Roses, but another proposal would see that pre-match ritual scrapped, in favour of creating a more natural atmosphere generated by fans.
The idea behind United not walking out with any musical accompaniment is to allow the Old Trafford crowd – which averages nearly 75,000 – to build the atmosphere naturally, into a crescendo.
United have already trialled the idea at several Premier League matches and their 5-0 Europa League win over Club Brugge, but have yet to make a final decision on pre-match music going forward.
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The Reds were already planning to ramp up the atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams by making room for another 2,000 fans in the singing section in the Stretford End
Following the success of the singing section near the tunnel where the players emerge, United plan to increase the capacity to include the south-west quadrant.
United have also submitted proposals to trial a rail seating area at Old Trafford, believing it would enhance fan safety in areas where supporters persistently stand.
Man Utd discuss pre-match clapping ritual after proposal by fans" group - Mirror Online
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