MANCHESTER UNITED will look into changing the perimeter of the Old Trafford pitch to avoid the risk of injury to players.
Since the stadium underwent significant enhancements in the mid-Nineties, the Old Trafford pitch has been elevated and surrounded by a ditch.
Brickwork separates the pitch and a rubber-surfaced footpath, which is positioned in front of the advertising hoardings.
Former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar died last month after he sustained a “significant brain injury” while playing for Chichester City at Wingate and Finchley FC.
It is thought that Vigar, 21, collided with a concrete wall, which has since been demolished.
The Football Association said it will carry out an immediate safety review after the tragedy.
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On the United fans’ forum that was held last week, a supporter highlighted the number of injuries across the Premier League caused by players hitting advertising hoardings at speed.
They asked whether the club would “invest in a transparent and soft material to cover them”.
A United spokesperson said: “The health and welfare of all players is of paramount importance.
“We will look into this risk and take appropriate action.”
Former United winger Angel di Maria was barged off the pitch and into the advertising hoardings by Ashley Young when he returned with Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
Several other players have gone hurtling into the Old Trafford hoardings and required treatment.
Officials at Wingate and Finchley have already made steps to increase safety around the pitch at the Maurice Rebak Stadium.
Reports have claimed that work has been commissioned to make improvements.
The ground did comply with current regulations, but the club has now demolished the wall completely.
It follows on from a petition calling on brick walls around pitches to be banned reached over 4,000 signatures.
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