The ongoing sale process and takeover speculation for Manchester United has, unfortunately for fans, always included the possibility that the Glazer family may stay.
And if they do, co-chairman Joel Glazer has already outlined some plans for the redevelopment of Old Trafford.
Despite its history and the sheer success it has witnessed, the Theatre of Dreams continues to look withered in comparison to other stadiums across England’s top division and Europe, which is due to the current owners’ lack of funding.
However, the Americans are seemingly planning to change that if they do retain their majority stakes in the Red Devils and according to MEN, Joel Glazer is in favour of renovating the 113-year-old Old Trafford rather than knocking it down and building a new home for the team.
Populous, who were the masterminds behind Tottenham Hotspur’s new ground and the new Wembley, have told United that the pricing would be similar to the new stadiums in London.
Building a new stadium from scratch is the quicker option and could take six years, whilst a revamp in M16 may take up to 10 years.
United outline potential Old Trafford revamp
The report says that “United have looked at completely demolishing the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, the only single-tier stand, and installing a third tier on the Stretford End and the Scoreboard End. Early estimates have indicated United could host crowds of 52,000 while the stadium is under construction.
“A provisional plan drafted up is that one year would be dedicated to redoing each stand individually. Widening seats and having the second tier designated for hospitality ticket holders – similar to the set-up at Wembley – have been mooted.
“Also under consideration by United is to have an official hotel on the site where the ticket office is currently located in the north-west corner behind the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. United also want to have a fan park similar to the area at Anfield behind the main stand that reopened in 2016.”
