Football News Update: Manchester United’s Stadium Plans Revealed
In a significant development for football enthusiasts, Manchester United have unveiled their plans for the future of their iconic home ground, Old Trafford. Contrary to earlier speculations, the club does not intend to demolish their long-standing stadium, which has been their home since 1910.
According to the report, United’s plan is to scale down Old Trafford to a capacity of approximately 30,000, which would primarily be used by the women’s team and the academy. This move is seen as a major upgrade for the women’s team, who currently play most of their home games about 15 miles away in Leigh.
Preserving the historic stadium is crucial, as it would mean that the statues of legendary figures like Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, Denis Law, George Best, and Sir Bobby Charlton would remain untouched. Additionally, the clock commemorating the Munich disaster and the central tunnel on the halfway line, which is the only surviving part of the original stadium designed by Archibald Leitch, would also be maintained.
Meanwhile, billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is interested in purchasing Manchester United, has expressed his preference for a new facility with a capacity of 100,000 that would cost more than £2 billion and take around six years to complete. This new stadium would be constructed next to the existing Old Trafford, allowing the club to utilize the current venue until the new one is ready.
Old Trafford has a current capacity of 74,310 and has never had a lower capacity than about 44,000, which was the figure in 1992 after the Hillsborough Disaster led to an all-seat stadium. The stadium has since been expanded, reaching a capacity of about 58,000 in 1996, about 68,000 in 2000, and about 76,000 in 2006.
The women’s team are scheduled to play three Women’s Super League games at Old Trafford this season, including their opening game next month against West Ham.
Football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of Manchester United’s stadium plans, which will have a significant impact on the club’s future and the landscape of the Premier League and women’s football.
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