The independent tribunal into the 15-point deduction imposed on the Elland Road club by the Football League began on Wednesday and was expected to conclude today.

A decision on whether to overturn the points penalty or not was then expected early next week.

However, it was suggested after the conclusion of the second day that the three-man panel now want an extra day (Monday) to hear further submissions before coming to a verdict.

No-one from United, the League or the arbitration panel was available for comment last night.

The timing of the panel's decision on the points is crucial with the League One season being due to end on May 3.

A quick resolution to arbitration seems in the interest of all parties with any delay beyond the first weekend in May likely to throw the division into total chaos due to the play-off semi-finals kicking off the following Friday or Saturday.

United sit sixth in the table at the moment but, if the 15 points were to be returned, they would soar to second – displacing Carlisle United in the second automatic promotion place.

Meanwhile, United have announced the upper tier of the East Stand will be open for the first time in almost two years for a league fixture on the final day of the season.

The Elland Road club have just one remaining home game against Gillingham on May 3 and the move comes amid huge interest in the game.

Tickets were put on general sale on Wednesday and more than 4,000 were sold in less than 12 hours, prompting the club to re-open an area of the stadium that was last used in the 2006 play-off semi-final against Preston North End.