Manchester United made two significant changes to Old Trafford before their first Premier League home game of the season against Ipswich Town on Sunday. The match marked their first home fixture in more than three months, and the club had used the off-season to alter the stadium in preparation for Ipswich's visit to Sir Matt Busby Way.
Pitch re-laid for first time in 14 years
The Old Trafford pitch has been re-laid for the first time in 14 years. Shortly after United's final home game of the 2025/26 season against Nottingham Forest, the turf was dug up and stripped back to its foundation. The project, led by award-winning groundsman Tony Sinclair and his team, saw the entire pitch regrown in an effort to improve player welfare and water drainage, following concerns in recent years.
To ensure the pitch was ready for the start of the season, United decided against hosting a home pre-season fixture this summer, instead playing all six friendlies across Europe. As seen before kick-off and during the win against Ipswich, the Old Trafford pitch appeared in fine condition and prepared for the 2026/27 campaign as the Reds prepare to return to the Champions League.
Perimeter wall padding added for player safety
The second major change was the covering of the old perimeter wall with padding to give players more protection. The United pitch is about three feet higher than the surrounding area due to a 1990s elevation, creating a drop-off, ditch, and masonry wall that risked player safety and caused concerns. After Benjamin Sesko aggravated a shin injury following a collision with the perimeter during a match against Liverpool, United have appeared to address the issue by adding padding to the area.
United secure first win with 5-2 victory
United ended up beating Ipswich 5-2 at Old Trafford, securing their first win of the season. The Reds had to come from behind after the Tractor Boys took the lead through Leif Davis. Bruno Fernandes equalised just before half-time, and a Jacob Greaves own-goal put United 2-1 in front in the second half. Fernandes scored two more to complete a hat-trick, and Bryan Mbeumo made it five with an inch-perfect lobbed finish. Ipswich reduced the deficit to three, making it 5-2, as Julio Enciso robbed Lisandro Martinez before squaring to substitute Chuba Akpom to prod home from close range.
