Manchester United dropped the first conceptual images for their new stadium and Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken out on the successor for Old Trafford’s iconic venue.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe had outlined his ambition for a ‘Wembley of the North’ and for Manchester United to potentially build a brand-new 100,000-seat stadium.
The United co-owner had initially pledged around £237m for future investment into the Red Devils’ iconic stadium after his minority stake purchase in 2023.
The Red Devils had put in place an ‘Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force’ as part of their bold ambitions, which included United legend Gary Neville on the task force.
Manchester United’s official website on Tuesday confirmed that the club would now ‘pursue a new 100,000-seater stadium’ as part of a regeneration project of the area.
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Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
The Premier League club’s social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter, shared a first look at the replacement for Manchester United’s Old Trafford venue.
According to United, the redevelopment of the Old Trafford area as part of the new stadium arrival would “deliver an additional £7.3bn per year to the UK economy.”
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The Red Devils added that United’s new venue will help to bring “large-scale social and economic benefits,” including the creation of new homes and jobs.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who is regarded as one of the best managers of all time, insisted that United’s Old Trafford stadium holds so “many special memories” for him.
But the legendary ex-United manager added that the Premier League club must now be “brave and seize this opportunity” to build a new 100,000-seat stadium.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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What Sir Jim Ratcliffe has to say on Man Utd’s new stadium plans
Sir Jim Ratcliffe welcomed the announcement of the new stadium for United and reiterated the benefits it would bring to the club and the wider area of Manchester.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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.
“The Government has identified infrastructure investment as a strategic priority, particularly in the north of England, and we are proud to be supporting that mission with this project of national, as well as local, significance.”
United’s replacement for Old Trafford is expected to be finished in five years, according to Ineos chief Ratcliffe.