United request away opener for 13/14 season

RedMancunian.com understands that Manchester United have submitted a formal request to the FA that their first league game of the 13/14 season be played away from Old Trafford.

Despite tradition dictating that the Champions usually open their season in front of their own fans, United have asked for the extra week an away opener would bring to allow their grounds men additional time to prepare their newly laid pitch.

At a rumored cost of £800,000 the new pitch is part synthetic and is already used by Arsenal, Liverpool, City, Spurs, Swansea, Cardiff and at Wembley.

The pitch will see its first action for Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial on the 9^th August, however staff at the club will then conduct an examination of it, and have asked for the extra time as a contingency incase any repair work is required before the pitch sees its first competitive game.

The FA are due to announce the fixture list at 9am on the 19^th of June, but have yet to indicate to the Reds whether their request has been accepted.