- Red Devils want modern venue
- Will consult with supporters
- Could create ‘stadium district’
Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The proposed project would take around six years to complete. No decision on the way forward for United will be made until the end of the calendar year – with consultation set to take place with supporters and the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which includes Lord Sebastian Coe and Gary Neville.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
United’s latest plan incudes the construction of a “stadium district” that could include a hotel, other amenities an an immersive entertainment centre. Inspiration is being taken from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which has become home to the Rams and Chargers NFL franchises.
Getty ImagesWHAT COLE SAID
The Red Devils faced Premier League rivals Arsenal at that venue during their summer tour of the United States, with former striker Andy Cole saying: “A new or redeveloped stadium at Old Trafford could be the focal point for revitalisation of the surrounding area. Manchester United fans and everyone in the north of England deserves a truly world-class stadium, and SoFi set the standard to aim for. This is the kind of arena the best players in the world want to be playing in and fans want to be experiencing.”
WHAT NEXT?
The Telegraph reports that United are leaning towards a new build as giving Old Trafford a facelift will be tricky. It would only cost between £1bn and £1.bn to complete that project, but capacity would need to be reduced to 40,000 or 50,000 while work is carried out on a venue that has been in place since 1910. — Goal
