When Jose Mourinho walks into the Manchester United dugout on Sunday, he will have a different perspective.
Manchester United is switching dugouts at Old Trafford at the request of Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag suggested earlier this month that the home dugout be relocated to the stadium’s west side, and United agreed to his request ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
United has occupied the east section of the dugouts since they were erected with step access in the early 1990s and are relocating after 30 years.
United’s singing section, as well as substitutes warming up on the west touchline, will be closer to the Stretford End.
The away dugout will be located in the southeast corner of Old Trafford, closer to the away supporters.
Sir Alex Ferguson had the stadium dugouts renovated in the early years of his rule to provide him a tactical advantage. In the 1990s, Ferguson would sit in the directors’ box and watch the first half of away matches.
Ten Hag made his first visit to Old Trafford in May when he was introduced to the press. United football director John Murtough gave Ten Hag a tour of the stadium.
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“In a new layout agreed with Erik, the home and away dugouts have been permanently moved so that the United manager, staff, and substitutes will now be situated in the seats to the west of the halfway line – the dugout previously held by the away team,” United said in a statement.
“Erik approved the relocation during his first visit to Old Trafford in May, when he noticed how the old away dugout was closer to the tunnel and the portion of the pitch where replacements warm up.”
