Old Trafford is history? Man United consider building a new stadium

With the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new era at Manchester United has begun. Even though the club's results are still not on the level that befits a team with such a legacy, the management is considering upgrading all aspects, including a stadium, as per The Athletic. The conclusion is that the Red Devils need a new home turf due to a very high demand for tickets. The only dilemma is whether the legendary Old Trafford should be renovated or a new stadium should be built from scratch. Ratcliffe favours the latter option, believing the renovation should cause many unnecessary issues.

For example, Old Trafford couldn't be renovated all at once; each stand would have to be renovated one by one since the club still needs a place to play. By closing one stand at a time, the capacity would have to be reduced from 74,000 to less than 50,000 seats, which is also less than the number of United's season-ticket holders. Ratcliffe's idea is that the club should still play at Old Trafford while the building process is ongoing. However, at United, they all agree the legendary 114-year-old stadium should be preserved and kept because of its immense legacy and tradition.

United to sack 250 employees, Evens is worried

Some members of the club's management are currently in Los Angeles, gathering information about the SoFi Stadium where the NFL team LA Rams play, built by both Rams and Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke. At Man United, they would look up to the SoFi Stadium in case of creating a new ground. On the other hand, if they opt for the renovation, Real Madrid's redevelopment of Santiago Bernabeu is considered a proper example.

However, the main problem behind this idea is the finances. Kroenke invested more than 5 billion euros into building the SoFi, while estimated United's investments are currently around 2 billion. Ratcliffe's ideas are sponsorships and borrowing money, but given the current financial situation, an investment that colossal would be a gigantic step. In addition, the fans' opinion is always crucial, and whether they would be ready to move from the symbol of Man United, Old Trafford, to some other ground is questionable.