November 6 – With Manchester United’s spiritual home, Old Trafford in deep need of revitalisation, the supporters of the Red Devils are being asked what they think the course of action should be…rebuild or move on!
A club survey that has received more than 50,000 responses has revealed that 52% of respondents favour a new stadium, while 31% would prefer to remain at Old Trafford with the remaining 17% undecided.
The project to build the new facility and surrounding campus is rumored to cost £2 billion ($2.6 billion).
A task force set up by new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which includes Red Devil and Sky Sports icon, Gary Neville and the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, will announce their conclusions by the end of 2024.
Ratcliffe, the chairman and CEO of INEOS is in favour of a new stadium to bring United back to the level of clubs such as Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur who have recently built world-class facilities.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We know how important our home is to fans, and we need to listen to them and gain all their views and insights in order to develop the world-class stadium they deserve.
“We are able to view the results through different lenses to understand if our season ticket holders feel differently about anything than say our official members. And if younger fans have different views to older fans.
“This insight is incredibly helpful and allows the project team to understand the differences as well as the commonality in our fanbase.”
Designed by the grandfather of stadium builds, Archibald Leitch, Old Trafford has been United’s home since it was opened in 1910 at a cost of £90,000. Nicknamed the ‘Theater of Dreams’ by United legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, it is the largest club stadium in the country with a capacity of 74,310.
The last major renovation was almost 20 years ago in 2006, and time has not been kind to the grand old stadium with a steady stream of complaints about outdated hospitality and more recently major leaks.
With the team also struggling on the field, the time could be ripe for a new era for one of England and Europe’s most famous clubs and stadia.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1732798319labto1732798319ofdlr1732798319owedi1732798319sni@o1732798319fni1732798319