Manchester United make Old Trafford U-turn with plans for new 100,000-seater stadium
Today at 08:47 AM
Manchester United are reportedly set to ditch plans to keep Old Trafford should they elect to build a new stadium.
The Red Devils are deciding whether to expand and upgrade Old Trafford or construct a brand new venue next door to the Theatre of Dreams.
If United opt for the latter, it had been claimed Old Trafford would be kept as a venue for the club’s women’s and academy teams.
But according to the Daily Mail, United are set to abandon those plans if they build a new stadium.
The report claims Old Trafford would be ‘bulldozed to the ground’ as downsizing the stadium is a project deemed too costly and complex.
Additionally, a 30,000 capacity for the women’s and academy teams was reportedly deemed too high, with a new 15,000-seat venue thought to be a better project for the future.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, an advocate for a new stadium to be built, declared in the summer he hoped for a decision to be made by the end of the year.
Ratcliffe hoped the decision-making timeline would ensure work on a new stadium would be completed by 2030 in what looms as a £2billion project
He also envisioned the new stadium, dubbed the Wembley of the North, would boast a 100,000 capacity.
However, the option of remaining at Old Trafford and investing £1b in upgrades and refurbishments remains on the table.
Red Devils fans are set to have a major say in any future decisions as well.
The club confirmed it will email men’s and women’s season ticket holders, members and club executive members to assess whether they would like United to remain at Old Trafford or move to a new stadium.
Additionally, United will ask fans for their opinions on the matchday experience and what they would like from any future experiences.
The survey represents the first major step during the supporter consultation phase from the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, led by Lord Coe, as they factor fan sentiment into their decision-making process.
Red Devils legend Gary Neville, who is a senior member of the task force said: ” Old Trafford has evolved throughout its history and it's clear we are at a point where it has to change again to ensure that Manchester United has a world-class stadium befitting the world's greatest club and the world's greatest fans.
"Old Trafford should be a stadium that the Manchester United fan base can take pride in, so I urge the fans to complete the survey, and participate in the wider consultation, to help shape the Task Force feasibility work and ultimately inform the club's final decision on the stadium's future."
Although United are making progress off the field, they still have work to do on it.
Erik ten Hag‘s side sit tenth in the Premier League with two wins and two defeats from four games but are riding high after beating League One side Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
United travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday evening to face Crystal Palace.
