July 29, (THEWILL) – Manchester United are considering a £2 billion project to rebuild Old Trafford, potentially increasing the stadium’s capacity to 100,000 seats.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new co-owner, has initiated a comprehensive review of options for the stadium’s future, including renovating the existing structure or constructing an entirely new venue.
The current focus is on building a new stadium on land next to Old Trafford, allowing the team to continue playing at their current home during construction. Ratcliffe reportedly prefers a new 100,000-seat stadium within a complex featuring additional amenities like restaurants and shops, drawing inspiration from the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
While renovating the existing stadium would cost approximately half as much as a complete rebuild, it would require temporary closures and potentially limit attendance for season ticket holders. A task force is evaluating all options and plans to present findings to supporters by the end of 2024.
United officials are exploring funding options for the project, including government support, INEOS investment, sponsorship deals, and loans. However, the club is mindful of fan reactions to additional debt following years of frustration with the Glazer family’s ownership.
The final decision on Old Trafford’s future will be made after the evaluation is complete. Club executives, including Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche and Chief Executive Omar Berrada, are currently researching stadium projects in Los Angeles and Madrid to inform their plans.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
