Sir Jim Ratcliffe has declared his preference to rebuild Old Trafford, but Manchester United are open to all ideas regarding a redevelopment that must be done right.
Generations of supporters have visited Old Trafford and the memories of watching the club's most successful period are within the ground's four corners, which has led to debate around whether to revamp or rebuild. In April 2022 United hired stadium masterplanners Populous, the architects behind Tottenham's new ground, to present proposals for an expanded Old Trafford and Ratcliffe has accelerated exploration plans since officially acquiring a minority stake from the Glazer family.
Ratcliffe, who turned 71 in October, is a man in a hurry and there has been talk of the British billionaire's desire to leave a legacy in Manchester, where he was born. The redevelopment of Old Trafford will be part of it. The MEN reported in February United could rebuild Old Trafford without temporarily relocating and have been advised that's the best option, but some fans prefer a revamp.
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Old Trafford is not as dilapidated as certain quarters of the media might suggest, but the roof has leaked for more than 10 years and it's no longer a state-of-the-art venue. United are the biggest club in England and their stadium, despite its prestige, no longer represents that status.
The concourses need to be improved, the fan experience outside the ground bettered and the capacity must be increased, all of which could still be achieved in a redevelopment. It's understood a redevelopment would be more cost-effective than building a new stadium, but the expense would
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