Manchester United want to keep Old Trafford even if the club decides to build a new £2 billion state-of-the-art stadium.
It was thought that plans for a 100,000-capacity ‘Wembley of the North’ would mean United’s iconic stadium would have to be razed to the ground for 114 years.
However, United are considering building a smaller version of Old Trafford alongside the new stadium to preserve the club’s history and provide a permanent home base for the women’s and youth teams.
As part of the ambitious project, the famous old stadium, which has been expanded to a capacity of 75,000 since its construction in 1910, would be reduced to a single-tier stadium that would accommodate almost 30,000 fans.
Crucially, some of Old Trafford’s most cherished features have been preserved, such as the Munich Clock and Tunnel commemorating the 1958 air disaster, and statues honouring Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson, Jimmy Murphy and the Holy Trinity of Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law.
Manchester United hope to keep Old Trafford despite their hopes to build a brand new stadium
The statue honouring the Holy Trinity of Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law would remain in place
The biggest obstacle to redevelopment over the years has been the track behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand
It would also retain the hallowed turf where so many United greats have played over the years, and the old players’ tunnel on the halfway line, the only remaining part of the original stadium.
While some Premier League clubs have demolished their stadiums or even moved entirely to their new homes, United believe they can build a unique memorial to the club and its history.
So far, they’ve surveyed around 30,000 fans about the plans for a brand-new stadium, with the response reportedly being around 50-50. But that figure could change dramatically if supporters know they can have the best of both worlds.
The downsizing of Old Trafford would take place after the new stadium is built, so that United can continue to play at full capacity until the new stadium is ready.
For the project to succeed, the plans must be financially viable. If that doesn’t work, United could still scale back its ambitions to a £1 billion redevelopment of Old Trafford.
But it is understood the club would prefer to build one of the best stadiums in the world on a piece of land behind the Stretford End, retaining the essence of the old ground.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to make a final decision before the end of the year. It is thought that the work could be completed in 2030.
Ironically, the biggest obstacle to redevelopment over the years has been the track behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and the logistical problems of bringing the stadium up to the same height as the other three sides of Old Trafford, which have grown over time.
The plan now is to reduce the Stretford End (pictured), Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and East Stand to a single level
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a definitive answer by the end of this year, with the project possibly completed in 2030.
The plan now is to convert all three stands – the Stretford End, the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the East Stand – into single-storey buildings for the women’s team and youth academy.
United are unable to fund the project themselves and are currently exploring public-private financing options for the stadium and wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area on land owned by the club that could be used for housing, leisure, business and educational purposes.
There are considerations for selling the stadium’s naming rights, but United insist fans will be consulted on the matter.