Manchester United: Plans to expand Old Trafford to 88,000

Good news for football fans with searching for Manchester United tickets, as the Red Devils announce plans to expand their Old Trafford capacity by an extra 12,000 seats. This will take the overall stadium capacity to 88,000 with an extra tier added to Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.

Old Trafford is already the largest club stadium in Britain, but this would almost take it onto a par with Wembley Stadium, which holds 90,000. The expansion would see the Theatre of Dreams overtake the likes of the Santiago Bernabeu and San Siro. As a result, Old Trafford would become the third largest stadium in Europe behind Barcelona’s Camp Nou and Wembley as the demand for Manchester United football tickets continues to grow.

United's home ground was last expanded in 2005 and 2006 when additional tiers to the north west and north east quadrants saw the capacity increased beyond the 70,000 mark. The railway line at the back of the stand had previously caused concerns but advances in stadium technology mean this may no longer be a problem.

United are giving strong consideration to the long-term expansion plans because of a new section for disabled fans - expected to be completed by 2020 - which would lead to a reduced capacity of around 73,300. A safe-standing area may also feature in the new development with United fans in favour of the concept, which would require a change in the current legislation for stadiums.

United boss, Jose Mourinho has previously criticised the atmosphere at Old Trafford. Mourinho said after United's EFL Cup semi-final win over Hull last season that the crowd can “do better” and made a point of applauding both Anderlecht and Celta Vigo's fans after United's victorious Europa League knockout ties. This season, Mourinho urged for more noise from United supporters sat in the South Stand against Leicester City but generated little and described the crowd as 'very quiet' during his post-match press conference.

This expansion can only be a good thing with thousands more United supporters with match tickets becoming available. Mourinho will be pleased to hear the expansion plans and his fortunes could be about to change and so could that of Manchester United fans who have been unable to get their hands of some of the best football tickets on the market.