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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
David McDonnell & Gabriel McKay

The bizarre Manchester United ritual set to be trialled as club look to improve atmosphere

New proposals could see Manchester United players applaud supporters in a compulsory pre-match ritual.

The Old Trafford atmosphere has occasionally been criticised by other fans, and a fans group has put forward some ideas to improve things.

According to the Mirror, plans have been put forward whereby United's players would all gather in the centre circle and applaud fans before kick-off at every home game.

That idea was first floated at a fans forum before the coronavirus lockdown.

(PA)

It has also been suggested that the pre-match ritual of walking out to 'This Is The One' by the Stone Roses could be scrapped in favour of only crowd noise.

Singer Ian Brown is a keen United fan, and banners referencing the Stone Roses and his solo music are common at Old Trafford.

The pre-match music could be scrapped though to allow the Old Trafford crowd – which averages nearly 75,000 - to build the atmosphere naturally, into a crescendo.

United have already trialled the idea at several Premier League matches and their 5-0 Europa League win over Club Brugge, but have yet to make a final decision on pre-match music going forward.

Safe standing, which is already in use at Celtic Park and Rugby Park in Scotland, could also be trialled.

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