Manchester United have published audacious plans to move away from the legendary Old Trafford stadium, which holds 74,000 and has been home of the Red Devils for 115 years.
The Manchester club hope to build a brand-new stadium adjacent to the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ on what’s described as ‘club-owned land’, with architect Lord Norman Foster stating that the ground will take five years to build.
Manchester United Co-Owner, Jim Ratcliffe, believes that the North of England is under represented in the size of it’s stadiums, despite being home to more success than the likes of London.
“Wembley, the 02 Arena, the Olympic Village – nothing of the scale of what we’ve seen in London is in the North… this will be the first stadium of this scale in the North of England.
“The North of England has won 10 Champions League medals, London has two – but London has Wembley, Twickenham, Wimbledon and the Olympic Village.
“The North of England deserves a stadium where England can play football, where we can hold the Champions League Final, and one befitting of Manchester United’s stature.
“If the government really gets behind this scheme, we will build and iconic football stadium,” continued the INEOS chairman and CEO.
Old Trafford has not seen any sort of significant developments since 2006 and has come under regular scrutiny for leaks, safety issues and hygiene problems.
The work will be conducted by Foster and Partners who were responsible for the design of the iconic new Wembley Stadium and the Lusail Stadium – the venue of the 2022 World Cup Final.
Despite fan doubts over the proposed plans, United say: “The entire project has potential to create 92,000 new jobs, will include the construction of 17,000 homes and will bring an additional 1.8 million visitors to the local areas as well as adding an estimated £7.3 billion per anum to the UK government”.
After a 115 year stint that saw 20 league titles, 13 FA Cups, three Champions League’s and one Europa League return to Old Trafford, the move is likely to be met with dismay and doubt – but legendary ex-Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, believes that: ‘The club must be brave’.
“Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium that we play in.
“Old Trafford holds so many memories for me personally but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where history can be made”.
