Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to embark on his biggest ever project after Manchester United announced plans to develop a new 100,000 capacity stadium near the current Old Trafford ground.
It has raised a lot of conversation among Manchester United fans, with many unsure if they want to move away from Old Trafford, the treasured home of the football club.
United fans will forever value Old Trafford as the spiritual home of United, the Busby Babes, and many of Sir Alex Ferguson’s great times.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and many others in the club’s hierarchy view Old Trafford as something of a financial anchor.
United’s matchday income remains the highest in an increasingly competitive Premier League, but we now see clubs like Tottenham Hotspur catching up after building a world-class, commercially driven stadium.
Ratcliffe appointed an Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce to outline the plans, and they are still working on the development as fans await further updates on issues like what will happen to the current stadium and how much further expense will be expected to come out of the pockets of loyal supporters.
From what we know at this point, it will cost around £2 billion to build a new stadium, which means Ineos will be looking for a big return on that.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe not happy after the Europa League final
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Paul Ince speaks out about new Man Utd stadium plans
Most former players will find it difficult to see United move away from Old Trafford.
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We always hear of former United players reminiscing about their best memories at Old Trafford, the chants sung in their name, as well as iconic goals and other unforgettable moments.
Former midfielder Paul Ince spent six years at United before leaving for Inter Milan, but he has exclusively told United In Focus that he fears United could lose their atmosphere like other Premier League clubs that moved stadiums in recent years, such as West Ham.
“Old Trafford is an iconic stadium,” Ince said. “It’s not called the Theatre of Dreams for no reason.
“It’s seen some great players and some great managers, but also great fans.
“Fans make the stadium, not the stadium you’re in. The new stadium is miles away at the moment, but the fact is, even when I walk into Old Trafford I still get that little feeling. That kind of buzz. Your hairs stand up on your arms and when you look up it feels amazing.
“To see that going in the future would be sad. I revert back to when I was at West Ham and played at Upton Park. The atmosphere was incredible. The fans were right on top and it was a tight pitch. Then they moved to the new stadium, and the atmosphere is gone. Can they generate the atmosphere at the new stadium?
“Will Everton do the same because Goodison Park was one of the toughest places ever to go to because the fans were just up on top of you. Can they do that with the new stadium?”
Ince shares the same fears for Everton, who will be moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2025/26 season and saying an emotional goodbye to Goodison Park, where United enjoyed many battles.
One way to ensure that the atmosphere remains in the new stadium would be to stop pricing loyal fans out of following their beloved team amid ticket pricing increases.
Gary Neville demands the “best stadium in the world”
One member of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force has been vocal about the new stadium, despite not giving too much information away about the plans in place or what will happen to the current stadium.
Former United defender Gary Neville revealed recently that the plans are “critical” for the club. This is a strong hint that he believes United are right to move forward with a new stadium.
“It’s exciting, but there was still a lot to do when we handed it back to the football club,” Neville told BBC Radio Manchester.
“I know the ownership are committed, they know they have to develop a new Old Trafford.
“I’m hopeful, I know it’s still a few years off but it’s something I feel is absolutely critical. Manchester United must have the best stadium in the world and the best training ground in the world, I’m adamant of that.
“The unpredictable side of football is winning. You ultimately try to win as much as you can, but other clubs have a say in that. You have control of the stadium and the training ground.”