Man Utd show off huge stadium changes including first new turf in 14 years, key safety feature & extended hospitality

MANCHESTER UNITED have given Old Trafford a new look ahead of their showdown with Ipswich Town. The Red Devils completed their midfield rebuild by sealing the £70million signing of Carlos Baleba earlier this week. The hospitality area has been extended at Old Trafford Credit: The Sun The turf has also been relaid for the first time in more than a decade Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And United chiefs have also been splashing the cash on making upgrades to their historic home. There is a new turf at Old Trafford for the first time in 14 YEARS as final preparations were made for Ipswich’s arrival. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! United have also covered the perimeter wall surrounding the pitch in padding to give big-name stars extra protection. Former Arsenal youngster Billy Vigar tragically died after colliding with a concrete wall while playing for Chichester City at Wingate & Finchley last year. And that resulted in United starting to look at ditching the brickwork surrounding the pitch. The turf has been elevated and surrounded by a ditch since Old Trafford underwent significant enhancements in the 1990s. And that had led to numerous stars suffering injuries when racing to keep the ball in play. Another change means some United season ticket holders will be getting used to new surroundings at their first home clash of the season. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Fans were forced to move away from their usual seat after the hospitality area was extended. United have made the changes despite preparing to leave Old Trafford for a new 100,000-capacity stadium worth £2BILLION. Red Devils chief executive Omar Berrada revealed in his programme notes ahead of facing Ipswich that fans will be made aware of progress in the coming months. He said: “Work continues on our ambition to build a new stadium as part of a much broader redevelopment of our surrounding area here at Old Trafford. Manchester United have given Old Trafford a mini makeover Credit: Getty “Over the summer we shared the proposed new location of the stadium and we will be working closely with our fans over the coming months to keep you involved in that process.” United are looking to bounce back from their woeful season-opening defeat at newly-promoted Hull City. Comment now