Man United hope fanzone can improve Old Trafford's dismal atmosphere... but look who they've borrowed the idea from



Manchester United have looked to bitter rivals Manchester City for inspiration as they look to improve the match-day atmosphere around Old Trafford.

The Sun report that United are currently planning to create a fanzone outside the club's iconic stadium that will look to replicate the entertainment on offer in City Square, which has become hugely popular with visitors to the Etihad Stadium.

United are reported to have been so taken by the success of City's initiative that they have recruited the same agency, Ear to the Ground, to recreate the zone.

Lacking: The Old Trafford atmosphere has come in for criticism in recent years

The area offers pre-match entertainment, with live bands, fresh food and coaching sessions for children.

United are also understood to view it as an opportunity to bring in further revenue and they will be hoping that the new entertainment zone will encourage supporters to spend more money on match-day and that it will also provide the feel of a family day-out for fans.

It is also expected that United will look to attract a commercial partner to sponsor the zone and will be looking to follow in the footsteps of City, who secured a three-year deal with BT Sport, with the all-purpose entertainment area now known as BT City Square.



Inspiration: City fans often mock Old Trafford for its lack of atmosphee

In 2012, United had considered setting up a designated 'singing section' inside Old Trafford, but the plans were shelved due to security fears.



United fans are regularly taunted by visiting fans due to the lack of atmosphere inside the Theatre of Dreams, with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson famously blasting his own fans following a particularly quiet afternoon in 2008.

