Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make sweeping changes to the Old Trafford pitch layout following the heartbreaking death of former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar, who tragically passed away after suffering a fatal head injury during a non-league match. The 21-year-old forward, who came through Arsenal’s youth system before moving into non-league football, died last month after colliding with a concrete wall during a match for Chichester City at Wingate & Finchley FC’s Maurice Rebak Stadium.
Man Utd consider major pitch redesign
The horrific incident has prompted immediate discussions within Premier League circles about stadium perimeter safety. According to United will reassess the entire perimeter setup at Old Trafford, including the gap between the playing surface and advertising hoardings. The pitch was upgraded back in the 1990s and currently features a raised playing surface bordered by a shallow ditch and a brick retaining wall that separates the turf from a rubber-surfaced walkway used by staff and photographers. Following the recent tragedy, concerns have been raised over the proximity of hard surfaces and advertising boards to the field of play, especially in high-speed collisions where players are sent tumbling out of bounds.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportUnited’s response: ‘Player safety is paramount’
During a recent United fans’ forum, one supporter directly questioned club officials about whether the club would “invest in transparent, soft materials” to cover or cushion the advertising boards. In response to the growing safety concerns, a club spokesperson issued a strong statement underlining United’s commitment to protecting players at all levels. The official said, "The health and welfare of all players is of paramount importance. We will look into this risk and take appropriate action.”
Now, it remains to be seen when talks between stadium engineers and safety consultants will take place about how to reduce impact risks, including potentially replacing brick barriers with padded materials or extending buffer zones between the pitch and hoardings. It marks one of the first major safety reviews of Old Trafford’s playing environment in decades.
Tragedy that shook the game
Vigar suffered what was described as a “significant brain injury” in September. He was rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries days later. It is believed that Vigar collided with a concrete wall running close to the pitch, a structure that has since been demolished by the host club following the fatal incident. The Football Association has announced it will conduct an urgent safety review into barriers and structures surrounding playing areas at lower-league and non-league stadiums across the country.
Tributes poured in and Arsenal posted a message that read: "Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away. All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy."
Meanwhile, Derby County wrote: "All at Derby County are deeply saddened by the passing of Billy Vigar. Billy spent the second half of the 2022/23 season with the Academy on loan from Arsenal, making several appearances for the Under-21s. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
The Professional Footballers' Association said: "Everyone at the PFA is shocked to learn of the tragic passing of Billy Vigar. This is devastating news, and our immediate thoughts are with Billy’s family, friends and teammates. The PFA will be offering all the support and services we have available to them at this time."
The FA added on X: "We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time."
GettyPainful parallels at Old Trafford
United’s decision to act comes not only in light of Vigar’s death but also after several high-profile near misses at Old Trafford itself. In 2019, during a heated Champions League clash between United and Paris Saint-Germain, former Red Devil Angel Di María was violently bundled off the pitch by Ashley Young, crashing shoulder-first into the advertising hoardings. The Argentine winger received treatment on the sidelines but was fortunate to escape serious injury. And that wasn’t an isolated case. Over the years, numerous players have found themselves hurtling into Old Trafford’s rigid pitch-side structures after losing balance or being shoved off the ball at full speed. With United now expected to lead Premier League clubs in implementing new safety designs, the move could signal the start of a broader transformation in how stadiums across England are built and maintained. The tragedy of Vigar has cast a harsh light on an issue too long overlooked, but it may yet bring lasting change that saves lives.