Manchester United want safe standing back in Old Trafford's Stretford End

While future-planning is difficult given the uncertainty over the takeover saga, Manchester United are looking into ways to bring back standing into the heart of the Stretford End.

To their credit, United have led the way as one of the early adopters to rail seating with more than 6,000 standing positions at Old Trafford.

The club have carried out feasibility work to look at bringing standing to the lower tier of the iconic stand, the beating heart of the stadium before changes post-Hillsborough saw it turn all-seater.

TED LASSO SHRINE

A West London pub has turned into an unlikely mecca for American tourists.

The Prince's Head, opposite Richmond Green, is used as the base for fans of AFC Richmond in Apple smash Ted Lasso, which follows the trials and tribulations of a US coach at unfashionable Premier League side.

While interior scenes are filmed elsewhere, pub bosses have created a shrine to the show in a quiet corner of a boozer which, when Agenda visited, was packed with selfie-taking visitors from across the Atlantic.

ANOTHER PACKED HOUSE

The road trip taken by England's Lionesses continues to bear fruit. Following the sell-out against Scotland at Sunderland, Sarina Wiegman's side will again enjoy a full house when they take on Belgium at Leicester's King Power Stadium on Friday.

GROUNDBREAKING SONY

Sony delivered an interesting presentation at this year's Leaders conference on their relationship with the National Hockey League, which is attempting to reach younger audiences.

As part of their drive, matches can be switched to animation as they are taking place and those using PlayStations can sub in their own players to see if they can make a difference.

Sony are also working with Manchester City to find ways fans across the world can relate to the club. One Sony exec revealed that just three per cent of City's global fans will set foot inside the Etihad.

SHREEVES' US GIG

Geoff Shreeves, who left Sky Sports at the end of last season as part of the broadcaster's sweeping changes, appeared on CBS Sports on Saturday.

The 58-year-old rejected the offer of a significantly reduced salary to depart after 30 years at Sky, in which he interviewed countless players and managers.

Shreeves made his debut with the US broadcaster by lamenting the fact that Americans see more live Premier League football than those here.

BOKS' GREAT ESCAPE

While in his role as chairman of World Rugby he may well be impartial, Sir Bill Beaumont may wish to change his ringtone following South Africa's Houdini-esque victory over England.

The ex-England captain and RFU chairman was seen slumming it in standard class on a train from Marseille to Paris for the semis. He happily posed for selfies, with eyebrows raised every time his phone went off.

The ringtone? The theme to The Great Escape.

WORLD RUGBY ERROR

Insiders disclosed that World Rugby did their World Cup seedings three years out, as organisers believed that they would be selling tickets to the same market as next year's Paris Olympics and wanted to get theirs out first.

Most realise the markets are very different and an awful decision backfired, leaving a lopsided tournament. Organisers say uncertainty caused by the pandemic, which saw some countries unable to play Tests for two years, also played a role.

TIME'S UP FOR HOLT

Accrington chairman Andy Holt has taken to social media to declare that the club is for sale. After Saturday's 1-0 win against MK Dons he said he was 'done' and 'not the right person to take this forward'. 'Football has evolved', he added.

Stanley, relegated last season, are seventh in League Two.

FA CHAIR IMPRESSES

FA chair Debbie Hewitt hosted CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani in Wembley's Royal Box as England beat Italy - and in a pre-game speech spoke warmly of her guest who has supported her since she joined the FIFA council.

Insiders say Hewitt is sharper than some predecessors and has a reputation for relationship-building in global football.