United get the silent treatment

Manchester United have been told they only have themselves to blame for the chronic lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford.

Following a request from supporters at a Fans Forum, United have appointed an acoustic engineer to work out why the noise from certain parts of the stadium does not filter across to others. A sound specialist has already been to one match and is due to attend others before the season comes to an end before offering their advice on the matter.

It is the latest in a series of initiatives the club have undertaken in an attempt to generate more atmosphere inside the 76,000-capacity stadium, so often derided by visiting supporters for its lack of noise.

However, the move has not met with the approval of the Independent Manchester United Supporters’ Association (IMUSA), who have repeatedly campaigned for safe standing areas to be reintroduced and the advent of singing sections.

“For many, many years now, fans have been told to sit down, shut up and taken what they are given,” said an IMUSA spokesman.

“Well now they are sat down, and they have shut up — and the club don’t like it. And as usual, when there are two solutions to a problem, they have gone for the most simple one rather than the best.

“For a start, United could look at less aggressive stewarding. Fans are allowed to stand at moments of high excitement. When they are forced to sit — as they often are at Old Trafford — they make less noise.

“They should also look at having a section of the ground where like-minded fans could be in the same place.

“Safe-standing does need to be looked at properly, and in more depth, because if they can have it in Germany, why not England?

“And the club should also turn the tannoy music off before games to give fans a chance to make some noise themselves.”