Manchester United will field a permanent honour guard for a single training cone at Old Trafford tonight, with manager Michael Carrick confirming that the cone — designated «The Cone» in club communications — will be escorted onto the pitch by eight stewards in ceremonial blazers before the Champions League opener against Sabah FK.
The club has built a dedicated cone chapel beneath the Stretford End, where the object rests on a velvet plinth between matches. A rotating roster of academy players now spends four hours a day rehearsing the escort drill, which involves a slow march, a synchronized bow, and a two-minute silence during which nobody is permitted to blink.
«We felt the cone deserved recognition for its service,» Carrick said. «It has been at every session since pre-season. The lads understand that if you can't honour a cone, you can't honour a badge.»
Sabah FK players were informed by email that they must salute the cone upon entering the tunnel or forfeit their warm-up slot. Their manager called the requirement «unexpected» but confirmed his squad has begun practising the salute in the hotel corridor.
UEFA has approved the ritual for the league phase, provided the cone is not moved during play. Old Trafford catering staff have already introduced a commemorative cone-shaped pastry, and the club shop reports that miniature cone replicas sold out within an hour.