Former Manchester United defender, Gary Pallister, says a new stadium was needed for the club to remain at the “big table.”
United today announced plans of a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford, an idea that the club legend was happy to be onboard with.
“I think it’s exciting. We know Old Trafford has a few problems and few issues.
“I’ve seen the pictures, and it looks absolutely stunning.
“It’s a stunning piece of architecture and it’ll be up there with the very best, if not will be the very best stadium in the world.
“I think for Manchester United to move forward and keep a seat at the big table, something had to be done,” Pallister said.
The stadium is set to cost around £2 billion to construct and is set to produce 92,000 new jobs, 17,000 new homes and the club hopes to bring in an additional 1.8 million visitors to the area annually.
Old Trafford has been subject to scrutiny in recent times – from a waterfall on the roof, and leakage in the press rooms, to sections falling apart and rodents roaming free. Pallister believes this “blank canvas” could be the answer.
“It’s going to be great for the area around Old Trafford.
“There’s been talk about getting a refurb but if you’re going to stay in touch with the big clubs around the world, I think a new stadium was the way forward.
“That could’ve been a small refurbishment, a big refurbishment or just starting with a blank canvas and build a whole new stadium.
“I just think it’s really exciting whether you’re a Manchester United fan or just a Manchester fan, it’s going to be great for the city and surrounding area.
“A decision had to be made and I’m quite excited by it,” he said
But moving away from the iconic Old Trafford, which opened in 1910, could cause issues around the already unsettled fanbase leaving behind memories and history.
“It’s disappointing to leave the history and tradition behind at Old Trafford but I think if we’re moving forward, moving on with the club I think this is the way forward,” Pallister said.
Following the club’s recent poor run of form, which sees them 14th in the Premier League table, with just one win in their last six, this news could bring the mood up around the city.
Pallister also believes that this new “architecture” could compete with “best arenas in the world.”
“We’re talking about Man United being up there with the very best.
“We’ve seen Bayern Munich’s stadium, Tottenham’s stadium, Atletico Madrid’s stadium, these are all beautiful structures.”
“If we’re going to keep up with the best arenas in the world, I think a new stadium is the way forward,” he said.
Pallister represented United for over a decade between 1989-98 and went onto make 317 appearances for the club alongside 22 caps for England.
