Manchester United have revealed when they will make a decision on whether to build a 100,000-capacity stadium or regenerate Old Trafford.
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Man Utd could build 100,000-capacity stadiumClub state rebuild could boost UK economyTimeline on decision has been revealedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
The club intend to announce their plans by this summer, with a call not yet made on which way to go. A task force led by Lord Sebastien Coe has produced a report that states a new stadium and regeneration of surrounding areas could bring £7 billion to the UK economy. A survey carried out by the group has shown 90 per cent of supporters want the club to deliver a world-class stadium but that just 52% want an entirely new ground.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
United have been looking at their options regarding the future of Old Trafford since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS completed a 25% purchase of the club in December 2023. The disrepair within areas of Old Trafford has been used as evidence of the club's decline in recent seasons and it seems change is imminent.
Getty Images SportWHAT UNITED SAID
In a club statement, United said: "An report has been submitted by the Task Force, setting out a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the historic industrial engine room of Greater Manchester into a vibrant new driver of growth and innovation in sports, entertainment, business, and education. The vision is for Manchester United to develop a world-class stadium, acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration of a re-energised Trafford Park, which initial findings suggest could deliver an extra £7.3bn gross value added to the UK economy and more than 90,000 employment opportunities. The Task Force determined that a redeveloped Old Trafford could increase the capacity of the existing stadium to 87,000, whereas a new-build stadium would allow capacity to reach 100,000. Both options remain under consideration, with the club set to decide on the preferred approach ahead of the summer."
WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
United are rebuilding both literally and figuratively, with manager Ruben Amorim tasked with overseeing changes on the field as the club also deal with the failing infrastructure at the club. Amorim's side have drawn at league leaders Liverpool, knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and beaten Southampton 3-1 in their last three matches, suggesting a brighter future that could coincide with the club's stadium improvements.
