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.
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.
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Manchester City release new ‘The Decade Collection’ celebrating 10 years of Pep Guardiola
Danny Jones
Manchester City and PUMA have just released a new clothing line celebrating 10 seasons of Pep Guardiolaat the club.
Simply entitled ‘The Decade Collection’, the new PUMA range revolves entirely around Pep as he marks his 10th anniversary in charge of the Blues, focusing on minimalistic style.
Guardiola has always been a trendy bloke, often being highlighted for his fashion choices on the touchline – even some of the questionable ones…
But with a much plainer approach this time around, the Pep clothing collab
Debuting the lifestyle drop on Wednesday, 15 April, Man City wrote on social media, “Ten seasons on the touchline. Ten seasons of setting the standard.
“Introducing the Puma Football Decade Collection with the Pep Team – celebrating Pep’s ten seasons as our manager and inspired by memorable moments from his tenure at the Club.”
While it’s unclear how much (if any) of these new clothes the Catalan coach has helped design or had influence on, but given its exclusive nature, you can expect it to sell out pretty quickly.
They go on to add: “Created to honour a defining chapter that reshaped the club’s modern identity, this exclusive collection is available in limited quantities.
Starting at £30 for the cheapest item – a ‘P’ logo baseball cap – the most expensive part of the collection clocks in at £110: his special anniversary edition ‘Majesty Low Decade’ PUMA trainers.
You can see some more examples of what we’ve already seen him wearing, and what we’ll no doubt see him in pitchside very soon, down below.
Obviously, City has plenty of other brand partnerships when it comes to both official sports apparel and more casual clothing, many of which we’ve already seen the 55-year-old football manager wear, but you can almost guarantee he’ll be donning them for the coming fixtures.
You can see Man City x PUMA x Pep Guardiola ‘Decade Collection’ in full HERE.
Speaking of which, up next for Pep and co is what could prove to be THE big twist in this year’s Premier League campaign, with his squad of serial winners taking on league leaders Arsenal at home.
Not only did the Gunners’ surprise loss to Bournemouth last weekend help City close the gap on the top spot, but with them refinding their form ahead of hosting the title hopefuls at the Etihad Stadium, it all looks to be shifting back in their favour at the moment.
With seven games left, and one in hand compared to Arsenal, do you see them beating Mikel Arteta’s side to another trophy?
Featured Images — Manchester City Football Club (publicity pictures)
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Sale Sharks announce signing of exciting new winger David Opoku-Fordjour
Danny Jones
Sale Sharks have revealed their latest bit of recruitment as they have announced an agreement to sign promising young winger, David Opoku-Fordjour.
The brother of existing Sharks player, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, David, is set to join Sale at the start of next Gallagher PREM season.
Sharing the news with their fans on social media, the Greater Manchester rugby union outfit is tipping the ‘exciting’ and very fast forward to achieve big things at the club.
As the older sibling of 21-year-old prop Asher (only slightly), they might be of a similar profile in some ways, but they are still two very unique talents with their own attributes.
The fellow Coventry-born prospect came through his local side’s youth academy, making over half a century of appearances for the Championship team.
He will now become the second member of the Opoku-Fordjour family, who are originally from Ghana, to play for Sale Sharks.
Already capped England star Asher is actually the youngest of the four Midlands-born brothers.
Meanwhile, David Opoku-Fordjour – still just 22 himself – will make his Premiership debut in the coming 2026/27 campaign, penning a one-year deal with an option of extending by another 12 months as part of his contract:
The youngster said in an official statement: “I know the levels at a PREM club will be much higher, but I’m really looking forward to playing and training with internationals every day.
“There are so many good wingers at the club – guys like Tom Roebuck and Arron Reed – and I just want to be a sponge and learn from them and develop as much as I can.”
“Asher and I are really close, and playing with him again will be brilliant. When I spoke to him, he just said that the environment at Sale is great and that I would really enjoy it. He said the club is full of good people, so I can’t wait to get started.”
🗣️ "Playing with my brother again will be brilliant."
Commenting on his arrival, Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said, “There’s some real talent and potential in the Champ, and we think we’ve found one in David.
“He scores tries for fun, but there’s plenty more to his game, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops in this environment, learning and playing with the international wingers we’ve got.”
Looking forward to seeing him on the pitch, Sharks?
The Manc -
11th December 2020 
