Manchester United to expand Old Trafford dugouts after UEFA rule change

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United has announced that work has begun to expand the home and away dugouts at Old Trafford after UEFA updated its Stadium Infrastructure Regulations in 2025.

“Manchester United’s preparations for the new season are set to continue with an expansion of the home and away dugouts at Old Trafford,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday.

The move follows the introduction of a specific requirement in Article 8 of the new rules for clubs taking part in the men’s Champions League, which states stadiums “must be equipped with two team benches located either side of the halfway line, parallel to the touchline, each with seating for at least 20 people and positioned at least 4m from the touchline.”

Old Trafford’s current dugouts each contain 16 seats, meaning construction was necessary to meet the minimum seating requirement.

“The crucial detail is a minimum of 20 seats, because Old Trafford’s dugouts have 16 seats at present and construction is therefore required,” the club added.

A new design was drawn up after Michael Carrick’s side secured qualification to the Champions League, with both dugouts to be fitted with 21 seats.

The club described the current layout as three rows (4-6-6) and said the renovation will reconfigure each dugout to an 8-7-6 layout.

“Our plans, It has been agreed that both dugouts will have 21 seats,” the statement said.

Work began on Wednesday morning and is expected to take several weeks to complete.

During construction, stadium tour routes will be adjusted.

“During this time of construction, fans enjoying the stadium tour will take a new route around the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand where the respective dugouts are located,” the club warned, and added fans should “look out for updates on the dugouts as the work progresses.”

The upgrades ensure Old Trafford complies with UEFA’s updated infrastructure standards ahead of United’s return to continental competition.