Manchester United have announced the extension of ‘safe standing’ at Old Trafford, with more rail seats set to be installed in the Stretford End.
There’s been a slight upturn in the mood around Man United over the last few days, at least in the immediate aftermath of their tense win against Chelsea in the Premier League this past Sunday.
On top of a crucial three points for the head coach, Ruben Amorim, senior management has now revealed the next steps for the safe standing section of the Theatre of Dreams’ liveliest stand.
Confirming the plans on Tuesday, 23 September, INEOS and the executive board have green-lit the further extension of the safe standing provision in the home ground, which could see more than 7,500 rail seats in total.
Work has begun to expand our safe standing section at Old Trafford 🏟️
As detailed in an update on the club website, Manchester United have now begun a “significant expansion” of their rail seating facilities, with an estimated 6,000 additional safe standing seats now set to be installed in the second tier of the Stretford End.
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The statement goes on to read: “The project will double the current provision of rail seats inside the stadium, making Old Trafford one of the Premier League’s leading venues for safe standing.
“The first phase of seats will be in place for the upcoming fixture against Sunderland. However, the section will remain licensed as seated for that game until the installation is completed and formally approved by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).
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“The club expects the installation work to be finished by the end of October, though formal approval from the SGSA to use the area as safe standing may follow at a later date.
“This latest development reflects the club’s ongoing investment in enhancing the matchday experience, with safe standing widely recognised for boosting atmosphere while also improving safety.
Although the Red Devils are aiming to move into a brand new stadium within the next half a decade or so, these will no doubt be welcome changes among an otherwise divided fan base.
While they won’t be in their iconic sporting arena forever, supporters have been calling for more safe standing and rail seating year after year, with the last expansion approved back in 2023.
The advent has been gradually making its way back into the game here in England over the best part of a decade now, with many backing the push in the ground to improve the overall fan experience.
That being said, with the changes set to be brought in for their next home game early next month, and the introduction of more flags, as well as even tifos and pyrotechnics, plenty of figures (both inside and out of the club) are trying to make it a top-tier football destination once again.
Sportsbet.io Tour Championship 2026: Manchester welcomes some of snooker’s best
Danny Jones
This Monday marks the start of the World Snooker Tour’s 2026 Sportsbet.io Tour Championship, which is back in Manchester once again– and there are some big names on show.
Returning to our city for a third consecutive time, this year’s Tour Championships began at 1pm, with the likes of world number one Judd Trump playing some of the opening frames against Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen, along with Barry Hawkins taking on 2026 World Open winner, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
These are just the first two opening fixtures in what is set to be an eventful week-long tournament that will span a total of 19 matches, concluding in the final on Sunday, 5 April.
Hosted once again over at Manchester Central, this elite field of in-form players is basically only missing Ronnie O’Sullivan, who the aforementioned Thai tour start beat in last week’s final.
Only the top 12 players from this season’s highly competitive rankings earned a place in the draw, so all pretty much all the greats and the next generation are shooting for the title.
Defending champions John Higgins – a four-time world champion – will be breaking off against Mark Williams on Tuesday, 31 March.
Meanwhile, other names on the schedule of play include World Champion Zhao Xintong, Mark Selby (who Higgins beat in Manchester last year), Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen.
Put simply, this isn’t just another big sporting event landing in our city centre, but a showcase of some of the very best talent in the discipline.
With tickets starting from just £25, these games are also some of the most affordable premium sports you can enjoy in central Manchester.
Better still, it’s also worth noting that the official Fanzone over in the foyer of the venue is open to all, even without a ticket.
There’s completely free coaching for players of all ages, interactive games, and even the chance to try a proper full-sized professional table – a perfect day out for the Easter school holidays.
The event itself is being aired on Channel 5, but if you’re interested in going along to see the action up close and personal, you can grab your seats right HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via Manchester Central)/The Manc Group
Sport
Salford’s popular women’s running race is returning for 2026
Danny Jones
The popular women’s only five-mile race in Salford is back for another year, and it’s set to be one of the biggest yet.
Returning for its 34th iteration this spring, the 2026 edition of the Swinton Ladies Race is a mix of trail, gravel and road running.
It’s also remained a great entry-level run since it began, perfect not only for all ages and experience levels, but for those looking for a step-up in ability level and challenge with the mixed terrain.
Last May saw one of the best turnouts in the event’s history, and the Swinton Running Club founders are hoping for another big showing.
Now boasting a total of 400 places, the Swinton Ladies Race has remained a long-established cult favourite among locals over the past couple of decades.
Founded back in 1991 (then under the Worsley Woods Trail Race banner), it’s only grown in reputation but has still stayed true to its community-driven roots.
A one-lap course of lasting five miles, the course itself takes you through the aforementioned woodlands, as well as sections of trail and more defined paths.
Other notable sites featured include the Old Warke Dam, parts of the Bridgewater Canal and said Woods, which help make up a good chunk of the largest conservation area in Salford.
As they put it: “Whether you’re training for a new challenge or looking for a sociable jog in the fresh countryside air, join us and enjoy a trail race through Worsley.”
In addition to promising chip times, bespoke medals for all finishers, free parking and plenty of other little perks, it’s also just super accessible and good value-for-money.
As for the race route itself, there are drinks stations at the halfway point and finish line, first aiders on hand should anyone need help, and, of course, toilet facilities; it’s just a very well-run event all-round.
The organisers – who are teaming up with run promoters SheRACES for 2026 – do advise trail shoes where possible, especially if it’s been raining in the days leading up to the starting gun, but road trainers will still do you just fine.
Road or trail shoes are suitable for the course; we would advise trail shoes if the days leading up to the race have been extremely wet.
The price for affiliated runners is just £15, while unaffiliated participants can sign up for £17 plus a booking fee of £2 entry on the day (subject to availability). It’s also worth noting, however, that this is very much first-come, first-served. You can grab your race ticket and bib for Sunday, 3 May, right HERE.
Danny Jones -
23rd September 2025 
