live
Man Utd say it will take five years to build the new stadium. (Image: MANCHESTER UNITED)
figures, including co-owner , have been fielding questions after the club announced ambitious plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace . The Red Devils want to build the greatest football stadium on the planet at the heart of a Government-backed regeneration of the Trafford area.
Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada have claimed they are confident the club can finance the state-of-the-art arena, which is estimated to cost £2billion. United have also shared that the project would likely take just five years due to being able to use the Salford Ship Canal to import materials, rather than 10.
Express Sport provides all the latest updates…
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Man Utd expect a five-year project
expect the stadium project to take five years rather than 10 due to a planned “modular build” – where structures are built elsewhere and shipped in.
They plan to use the Manchester Ship Canal to import the materials, which will significantly speed up the process.
During a summit after the announcement on Tuesday, Ratcliffe said: “We can build a stadium much more quickly.
“There are yards that build structures and are then shipped to locations around the world… The thing that allows us to do that is the Manchester Ship Canal. That halves the time.”
The new Man Utd stadium. (Image: MANCHESTER UNITED)
MUST share four concerns about stadium
The Supporters’ Trust has welcomed the club’s plans for a new 100,000 stadium but shared four concerns, asking for questions to be answered.
A MUST statement read: “The announcement of plans to build a brand new stadium adjacent to Old Trafford is clearly very big news for United fans.
“Everyone wants the biggest and the best for our Club, and the visuals look both stunning and exciting.
“But against the backdrop of uncertainty around next year’s ticket prices, continuing poor performance on the field, speculation around sales of key young players, and the recent financial results, the news probably does beg more questions than it gives clear answers.
“As our own and the club’s consultations have shown, the answer to whether United fans want to refurbish Old Trafford or build a new ground depends entirely on what the consequences of the decision are.
“So now that decisions have been made, fans will need to be consulted all along the way on the key features that impact match-going fans’ experience and atmosphere.
“Whilst investment is much-needed and welcome, fans remain anxious about what it means and what the consequences will be.
“Will it drive up ticket prices and force out local fans? Will it harm the atmosphere, which is consistently fans’ top priority in the ground?
“Will it add to the debt burden which has held back the club for the last two decades? Will it lead to reduced investment in the playing side at a time when it is so badly needed?
“We look forward to further consultation with supporters discussing these vital questions with the Club.
“If they are able to produce a new stadium as stunning as the plans suggest without harming the atmosphere, without hiking ticket prices and without harming investment elsewhere, then this could be very exciting.
“But until the questions are answered, our optimism about plans to make Old Trafford the biggest and the best again will be restrained by caution about what the consequences for fans might be.”
Man Utd release pictures of new stadium
In case you missed it…
Firstly, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!
Secondly, at 10am, of the club’s plans for a new world-class stadium.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
This is your future.Your home.Your United.
u2014 (@ManUtd)
Good morning!
Hello!
How are we feeling, fans?
The club’s audacious plans for a new £2billion stadium are now out in the open…
Stay tuned for regular updates from club chiefs and other reaction.