Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers have been urged by the architects responsible for Manchester United’s redevelopment project to demolish the aging Old Trafford and build a “truly innovative and exciting” new stadium.
Long overdue plans to renovate and expand the tired Old Trafford that is “reaching the end of its natural life”, or to build a new stadium, have been in limbo for more than a year amid of the Glazers’ extensive “strategic evaluation”.
Ratcliffe has committed an initial £237m towards Old Trafford’s infrastructure needs, on top of the £1.03bn deal announced on Christmas Eve which will see the Ineos founder take a 25 per cent stake in the club and full control of its football operations takes over the Glazers.
Sources close to Ratcliffe told Telegraph Sport that there would need to be a “very detailed exploration of what to do with Old Trafford” and that the British billionaire acknowledged that the stadium would require much larger investment in the future.
United fans hope Ratcliffe’s arrival – subject to Premier League ratification – will boost stalled stadium plans, 18 months after the launch of a survey asking supporters for their views.
A team led by Populous, the global architectural firm behind the stunning Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and management consultants Legends International were appointed in April last year to create a masterplan.
The three options currently on the table are either a minor makeover project, extension of the south stand over the adjacent railway line and complete redevelopment of the existing ground, or the creation of an entirely new stadium.
Populous chief executive Chris Lee said there was “recognition within the club that something needs to be done”.
But he warned that doing nothing was not a realistic option as Old Trafford has reached a point where “everything is approaching its sell-by date” and the club risks losing further ground to rivals without “critical” updates.
Lee believes United should seriously consider knocking down Old Trafford and building a world-class stadium on the surrounding land so they can continue to play in their 113-year-old home while work begins, without affecting their matchday income are affected. United earned £136.4 million in matchday revenue last season – the equivalent of £4.1 million per match.
When asked in an interview with Telegraph Sport what his preference would be, Lee said: “Well, I would say no, but I think the new build could be the most cost-effective solution.
“Yes, the initial investment is obviously the highest of the three options, but there is so much land available to develop there.
“She [United] could continue to use the existing ground while construction work is underway, meaning matchday income will not decrease.
“Architecturally speaking, you could do something very innovative and exciting in the available space. There would be no space restrictions.
“We worked with Legends to look at all feasibility options, multiple different versions of the Old Trafford renovations and also what a new build could potentially look like, all focused on how we can create a great fan experience. Manchester United is very focused on that.”
It is estimated that the redevelopment and expansion of Old Trafford in its current form would cost in excess of £800 million and is quoted internally as an eight-year project. A new stadium could cost as much as £2 billion.
Ratcliffe has committed £158m upon completion of his deal, with a further £79m due by the end of next year, in addition to his purchase price for his quarter stake through his investment vehicle, Trawlers Ltd, which carries no debt.
But with the Glazers set to get more than £500 million from the deal, it remains to be seen how the full cost of a redeveloped or new stadium will be financed.
As the video below, produced during the protracted battle for United ownership, shows, a leaky roof and rusty exterior have become powerful symbols of Old Trafford’s neglect under the Glazers and a source of ridicule from rival fans.
And whatever happens in the future, Lee said leaving Old Trafford untouched was not feasible. “I think that would be unwise,” he added. “And I believe there is a recognition within the club that something needs to be done.
“The building is reaching the end of its natural lifespan – the cabling, the electricity supply, everything is approaching its expiration date. And the interiors are very cramped and difficult in places.
“I would say that renewal is crucial, not only to maintain the club’s position, but also to keep the place functional.”
Lee said Populous has been waiting patiently to discover the next stage in the process following the delays caused by the strategic review and that Ratcliffe will now want his own input.
“It is our understanding that plans have been put on hold during the sales process,” he said. “But we believe the ideas we have presented are very robust.”
The Glazers have been accused by fans of sleeping on the job during their 18 years of ownership of the club, during which time rivals such as Tottenham and Arsenal have moved to new stadiums, Liverpool have redeveloped Anfield and Manchester City has extensive. Etihad Stadium.
Populous is currently overseeing plans to expand the North Stand at the Etihad in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season, which will take the stadium’s capacity to more than 60,000 as part of a project that will also see the creation of a hotel and stadium. roof walk experience.
United are believed to have shared the results of the supporter survey with the Fans’ Advisory Board, promising they will be central to plans for Old Trafford’s development. These findings have yet to be shared with the entire fan base and wider public.
It was originally known that Richard Arnold, who stepped down as CEO last month, was a strong supporter of the redevelopment and expansion of the existing site. But there are thought to be senior staff who would be open to the idea of a new stadium if the money is there.
Late last year, United Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche warned that the redevelopment of Old Trafford would pose “significant challenges” and that the club would continue to explore all options.
“There are significant challenges in terms of complexity, timing, cost and disruption, not least due to the inherent constraints around our site, including proximity to the adjacent railway line, canal, public access roads and residential properties,” Roche said.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust has called for talks with the club and Ineos to discuss their plans for the future.