Sport

United planning to welcome fans back for Leeds game as spectators return to sport

There is hope that Manchester might be downgraded to a Tier 2 area when the next review of regional lockdown restrictions takes place, and Man Utd are already finalising plans for spectators to return to Old Trafford.

The Manc The Manc - 11th December 2020


Alessio Festa / Unsplash

When the second national lockdown ended on December 2, the government gave sporting venues across England the go-ahead to reintroduce spectators.

Sporting arenas that fall in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas have been quick to take advantage.

A total of 1,000 boxing fans will enter Wembley Arena this weekend to watch Anthony Joshua fight Kubrat Pulev. A thousand spectators will be socially distanced around Alexandra Palace during each session of the PDC World Darts Championship.

Kempton Park racecourse will also allow spectators through their gates for the first time this season during their popular Boxing Day meeting, and those in horse racing are hopeful that the Cheltenham Festival, which takes place next March, will be played out in front of a healthy crowd.

Premier League football fans returned to stadiums in London, and other areas who aren’t shackled by Tier 3 regulations, last weekend.

There were 2,000 home fans looking on as Manchester United came from behind to beat West Ham at the London Stadium. Sadly, Man City’s home win over Fulham was played out in front of empty stands.

Jaleel Akbash / Unsplash


Manchester remains in Tier 3, meaning sporting venues, along with bars, pubs and restaurants, remain closed to the general public.

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There is hope, however, that Manchester might be downgraded to a Tier 2 area when the next review of regional lockdown restrictions takes place, and Manchester United are already finalising plans for spectators to return to Old Trafford.

“It is important to present these conditional plans for the return of our fans to allow preparations to be made.” said, Collette Roche, Manchester United’s Chief Operating Officer.

“We are eager to welcome them back and thank them in advance for their patience and co-operation with our new operating policies, that are in place to keep everyone safe. Responsible behaviour will help build trust and confidence, helping us move back to greater capacity numbers in the future once Manchester’s restrictions are reduced.

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“We know we are asking a lot from our fans in terms of the adjustments to their usual matchday routines. In return, we are committed to making the experience as safe as possible for them and their families and have also kept ticket prices low.”

Leeds celebrating promotion / Wikimedia Commons

The first opportunity for home fans to return to the Stretford End could be the mouth-watering clash with Leeds United on December 20.

It’s been ten years since the Pennines Derby took place at Old Trafford, and season ticket holders will be clamouring to take up their usual seats in the stands.

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Only 2,000 fans will be permitted to watch United take on Leeds, which is less than 3% of Old Trafford’s overall capacity.

The majority of tickets will be allocated to season ticket holders, who will enter a random ballot.

A small portion will go on sale to the general public, and United have lowered their adult admission price to just £30 to mark this special occasion.

Sport

Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce earns new contract after impressive season

Danny Jones Danny Jones Phallon Tullis-Joyce new three-year contract Man United

Manchester United Women’s goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has signed a brand-new contract with the club following an impressive campaign in the Women’s Super League.

The American international, who earned her international debut for the USWNT earlier this month and has kept 13 clean sheets in 19 WSL games so far this season, hasn’t just been one of the most impressive Man United players this year but one of the best in female football full stop.

Faced with the not-so-insignificant challenge of having to replace former club icon and Lionesses number one, Mary Earps, who left the club last summer, Tullis-Joyce has more than risen to the occasion and quickly become a fan favourite.

Having played an integral role in another impressive domestic display from the Reds, including a third consecutive FA Cup final for Marc Skinner’s side, securing her signature for a few more years was pretty much a no-brainer.

Penning a new three-year contract with United Women, this new deal sees the number 91 extend her stay at Leigh Sports Village until 2028.

With just nine goals conceded all season, fans will be hoping that’s until 2028 at the very least.

Speaking via the official club announcement, Phallon said: “I am really grateful to have this opportunity to continue the exciting journey we are on. All of us in the team have ever-growing dreams of what we can achieve together.

“We want to keep making history and I am so proud to keep wearing the Manchester United badge.”

The 28-year-old stats speak for themselves.

It was only back in February that manager Skinner, who also recently extended his stay at the club, proclaimed her as “one of the world’s best”; meanwhile, the club’s interim head of women’s football, Matt Johnson, described her a “exceptional” both on and off the pitch.

He went on to add that “This [new deal] shows the ambition of the club that we can retain one of the best goalkeepers in the world here at Manchester United.”

She also managed to pick up ‘Goalkeeper of the Year’ at the first-ever Festival of Women’s Football Awards this week.

With a healthy catalogue of highly athletic shot-stopping like this to her name and making a half century of saves in goal for MUWFC, it’s no surprise, really:

With other important players such as Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner and Jayde Riviere having also signed new deals until 2028, Man United Women are looking to rebuild a strong core following some big departures in the last couple of years.

The men’s team, on the other hand, looks to be facing numerous obstacles.

As mentioned, the Women’s FA Cup final against an ever-dominant Chelsea side is taking place next month (18 May, 1:30pm), and a fantastic performance from Phallon Tullis-Joyce will no doubt be key in deciding who goes home with the trophy.

Do you fancy their chances of retaining it?

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Featured Images — Taylor Vincent (via Wikimedia Commons)/Manchester United (via X)

Sport

Travel warning issued as Manchester braces for busiest day of the year so far

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Travel warning issued ahead of busiest weekend of the year for Manchester Marathon

A ‘plan ahead’ travel warning has been issued for this weekend as the Manchester Marathon brings the busiest day of the year so far on the tram network.

Tens of thousands of people will hit the streets to take part in the race itself, with thousands more cheering them on from the sidelines.

This year’s Manchester Marathon route takes 36,000 runners through Sale, Stretford and Timperley before finishing up at a new finish line on Oxford Road – and there’ll be some big changes to your usual travel routes to accommodate this.

TfGM has said that Bee Network trams will be very busy before, during and after the 26.2 mile race, especially in Manchester and Trafford, with a number of road closures in place too.

Taking place on Sunday 27 April, the Manchester Marathon will coincide with Manchester’s popular St George’s Day parade which starts and ends across town around Oldham Road and Great Ancoats Street.

People are being encouraged to plan their journeys carefully this weekend, as it’s expected to be the busiest day of the year on the Bee Network trams.

The Manchester Marathon last year set a new personal best for the tram network, with 175,000 tram journeys racked up – the highest ever recorded on a single Sunday.

Trams will be the best choice to get around the Manchester Marathon course with key stops along the route including Sale, Timperley and Chorlton.

Many road closures will also be in place but at different times of day, so make sure you check HERE for the latest.

This will impact bus services, which will be on diversion from 8am until the end of service on Sunday, with traffic and congestion expected on surrounding roads.

Runners heading to the start line will only be able to access the athletes’ village from Old Trafford and Trafford Bar tram stops up until 9am. Participants arriving after 9am should get off at Wharfside or Exchange Quay instead.

Metrolink is promising to deploy as many double trams as possible across the network, with additional services between Piccadilly and Timperley.

Manchester Marathon guide 2025 important info

As for other modes of transport, those who wish to drive should make us of Park and Ride facilities where possible; and those on the train should note that Salford Central remains closed with bus replacements in place.

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Director at TfGM said: “The Manchester Marathon is a highlight of the Manchester city centre calendar and our job is to make sure everyone can get to and from the event as smoothly as possible.

“We want everyone to have a great day – whether they are taking on the run themselves or cheering on a friend or loved one – and would urge people to plan their journey in advance, leave plenty of time and check the Bee Network app or website for the most up-to-date information.

“The start and finish lines will be especially busy so if you are coming to watch you may be better off catching the tram to Sale, Timperley or Chorlton, grabbing a coffee and claiming afront row seat to cheer runners on.

“Using public transport is the best way to avoid congestion and delays – and with Tap and Go contactless payments it’s never been easier or more seamless to get around Greater Manchester by bus and tram.”

Passengers can now travel seamlessly between bus and tram and pay for their journey by tapping on when boarding a bus without the need for a ticket, making it the quickest and easiest way to pay for travel.

People travelling on Bee Network buses on Marathon Day can simply tap in and pay £5 for the day on as many buses as they need and just £4.90 on the tram. You can use all Bee Network buses as much as you want all day from just £5.40*.

Kirsty Wilde, Operations Director, from Manchester Marathon organisers A.S.O. UK, said: “The TfGM tram service is an invaluable part of our event, which allows thousands of participants and supporters to navigate around the city. With a record-breaking 36,000 participants set to take part on Sunday 27th April – and more exciting activities taking place over the weekend as a whole – we’re anticipating a rise in tram journeys, which will subsequently bring economic benefits to local vendors, the hospitality sector, and retail businesses.

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“We’d like to thank Transport for Greater Manchester for its continued hard work helping to facilitate what will be the largest event yet, and would also like to say a big thank you to the residents and businesses across Greater Manchester for their understanding and support.”

For further information and travel advice visit the dedicated Manchester Marathon page on the Bee Network website.

Read more

Featured image: Supplied

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