Manchester United fans have been given a glimpse at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stunning plans for a ‘new’ Old Trafford.
Earlier this year, Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in Manchester United, and one of his key commitments to fans is addressing the issues with Old Trafford’s deteriorating condition.
The Theatre of Dreams urgently requires renovation, not only to protect fans from the leaky roof but also to bring United up to the standard of Europe’s top clubs, which have recently upgraded their stadiums.
United have yet to decide whether to renovate Old Trafford or construct a new stadium on adjacent land.
If they opt to build a new stadium, it is expected to be the most costly project of its kind in the UK, with an estimated price tag of at least £2 billion.
According to Mail Online, in 2022, the Glazer family hired consultants to explore redevelopment options. Populous, the firm responsible for designing Tottenham’s new stadium, was assigned the task of creating a masterplan.
Manchester United fans have had their first look at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambitious plans for a revamped Old Trafford. As a recent minority owner of the club, Ratcliffe has promised to address the issues with the current stadium, which is in urgent need of renovation not only to fix leaks but to compete with the modernized venues of Europe’s top clubs.
The club has yet to decide whether to redevelop the existing Old Trafford or construct a new stadium on nearby land. If they opt for a new stadium, it is expected to be the most expensive project of its kind in the UK, with an estimated cost of at least £2 billion.
According to Mail Online, the Glazer family commissioned consultants in 2022 to explore redevelopment options. Populous, the firm behind Tottenham’s new stadium, was tasked with designing a masterplan, collaborating with US project manager Legends, which also worked on Liverpool’s Anfield Road stand.
The proposed new stadium would ideally accommodate 100,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Europe, surpassing Barcelona’s Camp Nou. It would include a massive new one-tiered Stretford End designed to create a “red wall” to rival and exceed Borussia Dortmund’s “Yellow Wall,” aiming to enhance the atmosphere and attract a global fanbase.
The plans will also feature an expanded range of corporate facilities, addressing an area where United have lagged behind in recent years.
A project of this magnitude would require broader regeneration of the surrounding area, including hotels, residential properties, office buildings, shops, and restaurants to help offset debt and maximize revenue from the development.
Manchester United would seek public funding primarily for infrastructure costs and potentially for a new transport hub in Manchester. Additionally, significant investment from sponsors is anticipated, with options such as stadium naming rights and a large sponsored video board being likely sources of revenue.
The club would need to secure substantial borrowing, which would be offset by future revenues. Manchester United’s current debt exceeds $900 million.
United aim to complete the project in six years, though this may be optimistic, considering it took Tottenham eight years from approval to the opening of their new stadium.
