Manchester United has opened talks over relocating the from Old Trafford ,but can’t come to an agreement on what do about their old stadium.The matter has given rise to many opinions, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe even suggesting the demolition of old Trafford!.
Manchester United had previously explored the idea of reducing the seating capacity of Old Trafford, the club’s historic 114-year-old stadium, to 30,000. The aim was to preserve the venue’s tradition while providing space for the women’s and academy teams. However, according to the Daily Mail, this proposal may prove too costly and may not be feasible.
If the club decides against renovation, they might opt to completely demolish Old Trafford. This would pave the way for the construction of a new £2 billion stadium, with a capacity of 100,000. A heritage focus group will be established to determine which iconic features, such as the Munich clock and statues of legendary figures, should be preserved.
Former player Gary Neville has pointed out that Old Trafford has already seen several changes over the years, suggesting that relocating the stadium may not be as crucial as some supporters believe. He stressed the need to retain key historical features while modernizing the facility.
The club is likely to enlist the architectural firm Foster and Partners to spearhead the redevelopment, ensuring historical elements are incorporated into the new design. Additionally, Manchester United plans to consult with season ticket holders for feedback and are contemplating a separate 15,000-seat venue for the women’s team. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe favors the idea of building a new stadium and aims to make a final decision by the end of the year, targeting project completion by 2030. However, public funding could depend on the regeneration of the surrounding area, not just the stadium itself.