As Newcastle United weigh up leaving St James’ Park and building a new stadium, Manchester United have announced their Old Trafford ambitions.
The Newcastle United owners are currently deciding what to do about St James’ Park, with PIF chief and Toon chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan recently presented with proposals to build a new ground.
Various members of the Newcastle hierarchy are eager to build a new stadium, but it is PIF who will make the final decision. However, it has been reported that PIF are expected approve Newcastle’s stadium plan.
That would see the Magpies play their home football elsewhere, with the club intending to build a new stadium directly next door to St James’ Park. It would be built over part of Leazes Park, as well as over the existing Leazes End of St James’ Park.
While Toon fans await an official decision, Newcastle United’s Premier League rivals Manchester United have signalled their intentions.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United aim to preserve Old Trafford ‘essence’ as Newcastle United watch on
It has been announced that Man United want to build a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace Old Trafford, with the project expected to cost around £2billion.
It represents a move away from one of English football’s most historic grounds, at a time when Newcastle United are considering doing the same thing.
As part of the announcement, Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe told their official website that Old Trafford has ‘fallen behind’ when compared to other stadiums.
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“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.”
Newcastle United officials will make same argument as St James’ Park decision nears
Newcastle United will be paying close attention to Man United’s stadium plans, as they get set for a stadium project of their own.
And they will have paid particularly close attention to Ratcliffe’s words, as he expressed to Man United supporters why a move away from Old Trafford would be palatable for them.
He focussed on the location, stating that building their new home right next to Old Trafford would maintain the historic stadium’s ‘essence’. That is what Newcastle United will aim to do if they opt for a new stadium.
Alan Shearer wants Newcastle’s new stadium to be in the city centre. He looks set to get his wish, despite his main preference being to remain at St James’ Park.
Retaining that atmosphere and what makes St James’ Park special will be incredibly difficult, but it would be almost impossible if a new stadium was built on the outskirts of the city.
With Newcastle United hoping to announce their plans in the near future, expect to see phrases like ‘preserve the essence’ as the club aims to convince supporters that they are making the right decision.
It certainly will be the right decision from a financial perspective. A new stadium will generate more money, which is the most important factor for Premier League clubs like Newcastle United and Manchester United.