Why Man United are making Old Trafford changes: New rules and 14-year first

Manchester United are making some changes to Old Trafford this summer as the Reds prepare for a return to the Champions League

All you need to know about the changes Manchester United are making to Old Trafford:

While focus is on the World Cup, Manchester United are hard at work at Old Trafford as they make preparations for the return of Champions League football next season.

Every year, the Reds resurface their pitch so it is ready for the new season. However, for the first time in 14 years, United are completely digging up the turf.

This decision has been made to improve player welfare and water drainage. Welfare of players came into sharp focus at the end of last season.

The steep drop at the side of the pitch was seen as a factor after Benjamin Sesko injured himself in the win over Liverpool. That would be Sesko's final appearance of the campaign.

While the pitch is not being lowered, the pitch is being slightly extended, and protection around the drop-off will be added.

This will be the final time the grass is regrown before United move to their new stadium.

The Reds now own a significant portion of land around Old Trafford to accommodate a 100,000-seater stadium.

Work is also underway to revamp the dugouts at Old Trafford following a new UEFA rule that insists at least 20 people can be seated. Previously, both the home and away dugouts could only seat 16. Read the full story here.

Further details on the new stadium have been earmarked for release on July 9. Read the full story here.

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