A recent survey released on Tuesday shows that most Manchester United supporters prefer constructing a new stadium instead of renovating Old Trafford.
A poll of 50,000 season ticket holders, club members, and executive club members revealed that 52% supported a new venue, while 31% favoured the redevelopment of one of the most iconic stadiums in global football. The remaining 17% were unsure.
United’s cross-city rival, Manchester City, moved from their Maine Road stadium in 2003 to the new City of Manchester Stadium, whereas Premier League counterpart Liverpool has revamped their Anfield stadium.
In September, United shared artist renderings of a possible Old Trafford renovation project and suggested that a new stadium might be included in a multi-billion-pound redevelopment initiative.
The club’s owners are exploring various options with the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which includes notable figures like former United defender Gary Neville and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.
The Task Force is focused on the possibility of constructing a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000 rather than redeveloping Old Trafford.
Rick McGagh, United’s director of fan engagement, stated: “We understand the significance of our home to fans, and it’s crucial for us to listen to their perspectives and collect their insights to create the world-class stadium they merit.”
“We plan to assess the survey results from various angles to determine whether our season ticket holders have different opinions compared to our official members and if there are differences in views between younger and older supporters.”