Song sheets and continental-style "cheerleaders" with megaphones are "among the ideas being discussed in an effort to improve the atmosphere" at ManU's home games, according to Simon Stone of the BBC. Manager José Mourinho has previously said that Old Trafford is "too quiet." The club was asked at a recent fans' forum if song sheets "could be distributed at the turnstiles." ManU said it would "look into the idea, although it is highly unlikely to be implemented" (BBC, 3/21). In London, Mark Critchley reported a designated "singing section" was introduced in Old Trafford’s J and K stands at the start of the '14-15 season "in a bid to improve the matchday atmosphere." For last Saturday’s FA Cup sixth round match with Brighton & Hove Albion, vocal groups of supporters were allocated tickets in the L stand, which is "usually Old Trafford’s designated away end." The Manchester United Supporters' Trust hailed the trial "as a success." However, difficulties raised by relocating away fans and obligations to season ticket holders elsewhere in the ground "prevent an L Stand singing section from being permanently implemented" (INDEPENDENT, 3/21).
APPLICATION SUBMITTED: The club submitted an application to the FA to establish a professional women’s team in the second tier of the Women’s Super League. If successful, the move would provide a career pathway for players who graduate from ManU's Girls’ Regional Talent Club. The squad would be based at the club’s training center at The Cliff. ManU Exec Vice-Chair Ed Woodward said of the move, "The FA has provided excellent support through the process and we believe that launching a team in WSL2 would give many more of our graduates from the Regional Talent Club the chance to establish themselves as first team players" (ManU).
