Opinion | Expanding Old Trafford will happen ‘one day’ but can’t come too soon for Manchester United

Liverpool fans managed it last week – though some of their number ruined things for the majority who made Anfield so loud by throwing objects at the Manchester City team coach.

Roma fans will do the same in Olimpico, one of Europe’s most febrile arenas, with 80,000 seats on a single, sweeping tier amid the granite statues, boulevards and rich mosaics at the foot of Monte Mario. Roma also have a tall order as they attempt to come back from a 4-1 deficit against Barcelona, but the noise will be far superior than anything generated by the spoiled, sated Camp Nou in the first leg.

In another last-eight tie, Bayern Munich may lead 2-1 from their first leg in Sevilla, but the Allianz Arena will still be a deafening cauldron for the return – as would any big German ground. They have affordable tickets, safe standing for domestic games and a strong terrace culture where fans stand together.

Atmosphere is that great intangible. When done well, as at Anfield last week, it can help inspire a team on to greater things. Every player will say that.

When lacking, it’s a problem. Imagine football being played without fans? Imagine the lack of spectacle, a game of interest to few but tactical buffs.

Nowhere is atmosphere more of an issue than at English Premier League side Manchester United, the biggest English club ground with the highest demand for tickets. Jose Mourinho has been rightly critical of the lack of atmosphere several times. United have recognised that there’s a problem and are trying to do several things to remedy it. They have given their support to safe standing, which has been a success at Celtic’s Parkhead and in Germany.