Manchester United have announced plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium in the Old Trafford area, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe stating it will be a “truly state-of-the-art stadium” that could be a “catalyst” for change.
On Tuesday morning, conceptual images and scaled models designed by the architect Lord Norman Foster were unveiled at Foster + Partners' headquarters in London.
As per Manchester United's official website, the stadium and wider regeneration project has the potential to deliver an additional £7.3 billion per year to the UK economy, bringing large-scale social and economic benefits to the community and wider region.
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The plan also includes the possible creation of 92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes and additional 1.8 million visitors annually.
“Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford,” said United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.
“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home."
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Ratcliffe added: “Just as important is the opportunity for a new stadium to be the catalyst for social and economic renewal of the Old Trafford area, creating jobs and investment not just during the construction phase but on a lasting basis when the stadium district is complete.”
In terms of a timeline for the build, United have proposed it will be completed within five years, according to the Mail, who claim it would become the largest covered space in the world featuring their own version of Wembley Way.
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Norman Foster, who is the architect behind the plans, gave a further insight into the 100,000-capacity stadium.
“The outward-looking stadium will be the beating heart of a new sustainable district, which is completely walkable, served by public transport, and endowed by nature,” Foster said.
“It is a mixed-use miniature city of the future – driving a new wave of growth and creating a global destination that Mancunians can be proud of.”
Sir Alex Ferguson added: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium we play in.
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"Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally, but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”
Here's how fans on social media have reacted to the initial plans.
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One said: "Looks like a circus tent, quite fitting for United tbf," and another wrote: "What on earth is that."
A third commented: "I think that’s me done. One of the worst things I’ve ever seen."
A fourth wrote: "Lofty words - let's see if it is constituted into action," and a fifth added: They should’ve made that tent looking piece the actual shape of the stadium, having it transparent makes it look weirder. Unique stadium though."
Back in February last year, it was said that INEOS were 'leaning towards' a rebuild on land at the side of United's current home. Ratcliffe, meanwhile, pledged to upgrade the tired and decaying Old Trafford into a state-of-the-art venue.
Thoughts on the plans? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Jack Kenmare