United get expansion go-ahead

Manchester United have tonight received planning permission to complete the expansion of Old Trafford.

Trafford Borough Council agreed to United’s proposals to fill in the north west and north east corners of the ground, a move which will raise the capacity of the stadium to 76,000.

The additional 7,900 seats could net the Red Devils £5m per season.

Work will commence before the end of the current campaign with the new seats set to be installed prior to the 2006-07 season.

The increased capacity will mean Old Trafford will be second only in size to the new Wembley among football stadia in this country.

“This is great news,” said United director of communications Phil Townsend.

“We believe this will be of huge benefit to the club, the fans and the Trafford Borough Council.”