Manchester United is facing a protest from its neighbours over plans to build a new fanzone at Old Trafford, adding to a separate row with supporters over the club's ownership and ticketing policies.
Last month, United unveiled proposals for The Paddock, a 1,300-capacity venue the club wants to open behind the Stretford End in time for its autumn fixtures. Officials say the plans respond to demand from fans and that the facility will offer food, drink and lively entertainment.
The fanzone requires planning permission from Trafford Council, and some residents living close to the stadium have objected. A petition with 50 signatures has been lodged with the council, raising concerns including increased noise pollution.
Some residents have accused the club of choosing the site without considering its neighbours, alleging United picked the location purely because it would not take away lucrative car parking spaces. One resident wrote in the petition that the club had plenty of space elsewhere where the additional noise would not directly impact residents, but that United had instead chosen to locate the fanzone a short distance away.
Details of the petition
According to the petition, the fanzone would sit just 110 metres from nearby houses and would operate for up to six additional hours on between 19 and 30 occasions each year. It states that 36 residential properties lie within 150 metres of the proposed site, home to a population that includes families with young children, elderly residents and people who work irregular shifts, all of whom the petition says would be affected by increased noise.
United's response
Manchester United says the free-to-enter venue will only open on matchdays and that the club is fully committed to working with residents. The club says The Paddock will adhere to noise management guidelines, with further work under way to mitigate concerns, including sound-proofing and ensuring speakers are pointed away from residential areas. A decision from the council will come in due course.
Wider tensions around Old Trafford
The fanzone dispute comes as Manchester United also faces friction with its own supporters. Fans disgruntled with the club's ownership are planning to march to Old Trafford ahead of this weekend's Manchester derby against Manchester City.
Separately, the fans group The 1958 is organising a protest ahead of Sunday's clash with City in a row over the club's recent crackdown on ticket touting.
