Manchester United grant fans special request before Barcelona game at Old Trafford

Manchester United have listened to supporters and agreed to a request made by the Old Trafford faithful that should help to create a special atmosphere when they take on Barcelona on Thursday night.

United will host Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie, with a place in the round of 16 up for grabs.

The first leg at Camp Nou last week ended 2-2, with both sides taking turns to trade blows in a thrilling encounter. A Marcus Rashford-inspired United came from behind to lead, but were pegged back by a strike from former Leeds man Raphinha.

If last week's meeting in Catalonia was anything to go by, then those lucky enough to be inside Old Trafford on Thursday will be in for a treat. Now, United have taken a decision that should ensure an electric atmosphere, regardless of how the action on the pitch unfolds.

Following a request from supporters, United have agreed to cut the pre-match music playing inside the stadium at 19:45, giving United fans 15 minutes to build up an atmosphere without having to compete with the stadium PA system.

Unofficial United fan channel The United Stand announced the news on Thursday morning via Twitter, to the delight of plenty of supporters.

The atmosphere - or lack of - at Premier League stadiums has become a talking point in recent years, with fans pointing to a number of factors that make English grounds seem tame compared to those in Europe.

While ticket prices, stadium design, standing restrictions and cultural differences have all played their part, it's undeniable that blaring pop music through tinny speakers right up until kick-off is a sure-fire way to nip any sort of intimidating atmosphere in the bud.

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Given the size of the occasion and the illustrious opponent they face, United fans arguably would have been in decent voice on Thursday anyway. Now though, the Old Trafford faithful will have the opportunity to whip themselves into a frenzy before a ball has been kicked.

Considering Barcelona's record of capitulating under intimidating circumstances in recent years - think Rome and Liverpool - United fans could give Erik ten Hag's side a real advantage.