Gary Neville, a former Manchester United defender, believes that a visit by Leeds United to Old Trafford would be a "amazing" way to welcome back capacity audiences and has begged with the government to make it happen.
The plan to reduce Covid-19 limitations came to a halt earlier this week when Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged that the June 21 deadline for lifting all limitations would not be reached, citing a rise in cases of the delta form.
The Premier League is set to begin on the weekend of August 14, therefore the newly planned date for a complete opening up of society is July 19.
Manchester United vs. Leeds United was one of the outstanding fixtures announced today, with the Premier League stating that they are "dedicated to the aim of having full stadiums, including away supporters" from the start of the new season.
This will be contingent on the government completing the Covid-19 roadmap, and Neville couldn't help but poke fun at the current Conservative administration's handling of the taking a knee controversy as he pushed them to allow capacity crowds to return next term.
"I just hope that instead of concentrating on sort of booing England players, Priti Patel and her ministers allow fans back into the stadium for that game so that we can actually create a proper atmosphere," Neville told Sky Sports News.
"It'll be an incredible game. Leeds United's return to the Premier League last season was evidently a joy to see, and I enjoyed every game I saw. Manchester United had a strong Premier League season, and if we can get close to a full house for that match, it will be a wonderful welcome return to the stadium in terms of capacity. It's something that is desperately required.
We've seen the announcements in the previous few days that Ascot and Wimbledon would be sold out, so there's no reason to believe that Old Trafford won't be sold out for the opening game of the season."
Last season's final two rounds of games saw stadium crowds return, however they were capped at a quarter of capacity or 10,000 spectators, and they did not include away fans.
If Leeds fans are given permission to attend the match at Old Trafford, it will be their first away day since a 4-0 victory over Hull City in February 2020.
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