Manchester United are moving forward with plans to either redevelop Old Trafford or build an entirely new stadium.
According to BBC Sport, Manchester United will decide on a path for the future before the end of 2024.
United own land adjacent to the current Old Trafford stadium, on which a new ground could be built from scratch.
A taskforce assessing the options are considering a 100,000 capacity stadium. The taskforce set up by Ineos includes club legend Gary Neville, and Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, among many other stakeholders.
Manchester United inspired by SoFi Stadium
Manchester United’s decision-makers at Ineos have been inspired by Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, the arena where United played Arsenal in pre-season.
The stadium was opened in 2020, and is considered one of the best stadiums in the USA, hosting the Super Bowl in 2022.
SoFi’s capacity is smaller than the 100,000 stadium United want to build. Chief executive Omar Berrada was in attendance in LA for the game.
United will not be looking to build a SoFi replica, but the inspirational stadium will impact the club’s thinking, certainly in terms of a vision for what is possible, adding to the temptation of building an entirely new ground, rather than the half-measure of improving the current ground.
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole was also in attendance for the game, and he was also struck by the dazzling arena, which has a modern feel Old Trafford lacks.
Andy Cole agrees with inspiration
Andy Cole told the club’s tour diary that the SoFi Stadium “looked more like a spaceship than a sports stadium. It is something you must see to believe.”
He added: “I don’t draw this comparison lightly, but you can see a parallel with the opportunity back home in Manchester. A new or redeveloped stadium at Old Trafford could be the focal point for revitalisation of the surrounding area.
“Manchester United fans and everyone in the north of England deserves a truly world-class stadium, and SoFi set the standard to aim for.
“This is the kind of arena the best players in the world want to be playing in and fans want to be experiencing.”
The option of building from new, or renovating, is one which will split opinion. Both will be expensive, and present logistical challenges.
It is no doubt that building a new stadium will be the more ambitious project, a chance for Ineos to leave a legacy on Manchester United. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to create a world class stadium for future generations.
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