Manchester United Trial 'Singing Section' at Old Trafford to Boost Noise

Manchester United have announced plans to trial a "singing section" of their Old Trafford ground in a bid to boost noise levels at the stadium. 

The trial will take place on the night of United's Champions League clash with Real Sociedad on October 23.

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We made a great start in Europe last night. Next time, at OT v Real Sociedad, fans will trial a new singing section http://t.co/vORYSxFWwj

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 18, 2013"

The section, which the BBC reports will comprise 1,400 seats and be in the south east part of the ground, will be open to season-ticket holders first.

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Noise levels at Old Trafford have long been derided by the club's own fan groups and opposition supporters.

The club scrapped an earlier attempt at the venture after police refused to allow away fans to be relocated to the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand's third tier.

Sociedad's travelling fans, who would normally be housed there, will instead be in the East Stand.

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United's concerns over the noise levels at Old Trafford are well-documented. Earlier this year, the Guardian reported United hired acoustics experts to work out whether the stadium design was in some way responsible for the quiet.

Players have already come out in favour of the idea, with Michael Carrick backing the move on Twitter: 

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Great idea to have a singing section. If I was going as a fan that's where I'd be... #getamongstit

— Michael Carrick (@carras16) September 18, 2013"

Supporters of rival clubs were less kind about the initiative, with some questioning why a measure like this would be necessary in the first place.

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Shouldn't need a "singing section" the whole ground should be making a noise! #plasticfans http://t.co/9jKHQFpQhM

— Dan Yarwood (@DanYarwood) September 18, 2013"