The new venue, named 'The Paddock', will be situated just 15 metres behind the iconic Stretford End and will provide supporters with a dedicated space to gather before and after home matches.

Offering food, drink and live entertainment, the fan zone is designed to enhance the matchday atmosphere while giving fans a place to socialise outside the stadium itself.

Free to enter for all Manchester United ticket holders, The Paddock will have a capacity of 1,300 and will operate exclusively on matchdays.

The project forms part of the club’s wider efforts to improve the supporter experience at Old Trafford while progressing plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium.

The name is steeped in Manchester United’s history, paying homage to the famous standing terrace that once sat alongside the Stretford End. For generations of supporters, the area became synonymous with the atmosphere and identity of Old Trafford, making it a fitting choice for the club’s first permanent matchday fan zone.

By combining a historic name with a modern fan zone, the club hopes to create a meeting place that embraces Old Trafford’s traditions while enhancing the matchday experience.

The Paddock forms part of Manchester United’s new partnership with Levy, the global hospitality and entertainment company tasked with improving the matchday experience at Old Trafford. Alongside the introduction of the fan zone, supporters can also expect additional draught beer taps, more self-service bars and a wider selection of food and drink throughout the stadium.

Speaking after the announcement, Director of Fan Engagement Rick McGagh said: “We are delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.

“The proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”

Subject to planning approval, The Paddock is expected to open during the autumn.

For many Manchester United supporters, matchday begins long before kick-off. It starts in a pub, perhaps The Bishop Blaize, or on a packed tram departing from Altrincham before arriving at the Old Trafford tram stop. From there, the walk down Warwick Road begins. Usually, a rendition of “Walking down Warwick Road to see Matt Busby’s aces” is aptly belted out.

Those traditions are what make following Manchester United about more than simply watching 90 minutes of football. It is the conversations with fellow supporters, the routines repeated every matchday and the shared sense of belonging that turns attending a game into an experience.

For many fans, these moments before and after kick-off are just as important as what happens on the pitch.

That is where The Paddock could play an important role. While the football will always be the main attraction, the fan zone has the potential to become another part of the matchday ritual, on the caveat it does not price out match going fans.

For sections of the fan base, the relationship with the club has been a complex one since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. Frustration and disappointment have often existed alongside an unwavering commitment to Manchester United, with disagreements over ownership, performances and the direction of the club sometimes creating a strained atmosphere. Yet, even during the most challenging periods, supporters have remained stoically staunch in their support, continuing to stand by the club through the belief captured in the chant, “Man United, Man United, we’ll support you evermore.”

With Michael Carrick’s arrival helping create a renewed sense of connection, the atmosphere around the club feels more united than it has done for years.

This season, it may be United by name and United by nature once more.