A majority of Manchester United fans favour a new stadium rather than the redevelopment of Old Trafford, a survey has found. Fifty-two per cent of more than 50,000 season-ticket holders, members and executive club members prefer a new ground, compared with 31% who support the redevelopment of the existing stadium.
Seventeen per cent were undecided on the best option, which is being looked at by the owners in conjunction with the Old Trafford regeneration taskforce, which includes former United defender Gary Neville, the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and the World Athletics president Lord Coe.
No firm timeframe has been put on taking a decision but it is understood, as first reported by the Daily Telegraph, that it is more likely to be in the spring or summer of next year. There had been indications the decision would be made before the end of this year.
United said on Tuesday that an “options report” would be produced by the taskforce by the end of the year. The taskforce is understood to have centred its discussions on building a 100,000-capacity stadium rather than redeveloping the existing ground. Sources close to the taskforce said in the summer that this is about more than building a new stadium and that going ahead with this plan would represent the most ambitious regeneration project in Europe.
United found newer season ticket holders were most likely to support a new ground, with positive sentiment for it also increasing with age. Rick McGagh, the club’s director of fan engagement, said: “We are delighted that this survey received the most responses in the club’s history. It shows how important this work is.”
In September, it was announced United had appointed Foster + Partners “to develop a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District, covering the club-owned land that surrounds the existing stadium”.
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The club are holding town hall sessions at Old Trafford on Tuesday and Wednesday to offer fans further information on the options and plans being discussed.
