Gary Neville says he supports Manchester United building new ‘super stadium’ to replace Old Trafford, and still wants Glazers out

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Gary Neville has said he would support plans to knock down Old Trafford to replace the famous stadium with a new one.

The Telegraph reported how ‘bulldozing’ Old Trafford is one option being considered as the club weigh up plans for the future.

United are considering three options for the future of Old Trafford which are currently being drawn up by teams of architects.

• Knocking down Old Trafford to build a new stadium
• Focusing renovation on South Stand expanding over railway line
• Large scale improvements to modernise other stadium stands but no South Stand expansion

Gary Neville supports the drastic option

The most emotive and drastic option available to Manchester United would be to knock down Old Trafford to build an entirely new stadium.

Former star Gary Neville believes this is the best course of action available, and could also make financial sense for the club.

Speaking on Instagram Live, Neville said: “I actually think it would be the right move. By time they spend the money that needs to be spent on Old Trafford, the existing one, then I think you are probably better off building a brand new super stadium.

“I do think Manchester United should always be at the forefront of stadiums, best facilities, Old Trafford has fallen behind many other stadiums in this country but obviously in Europe.”

Plans floated to build an entirely new stadium would include a smaller stadium also built for academy and women’s matches.

One logistical problem would be where the club would play in the meantime. While Old Trafford has many years of history, much of the original stadium no longer exists, and key features like the Munich Clock would be saved and integrated into the new one.

The stadium has seen plenty of work over the years, see below picture from 1966 – but has not had any major work since the Glazers took over in 2005.

The railway line behind the South Stand has for years prohibited United from expanding further, and while modern construction makes this now possible, it would still come at a huge expense. As Neville says, it may be better to simply start afresh.

Neville was asked whether his stance towards the Glazer ownership would change due to the proposals, and he remained the same, calling on the owner to go.

He said: “I do think it is time for them to sell, I do think they have overstayed their welcome. They fact they said they would engage with fans four or five months ago and they haven’t done since, its not good enough. It would be a breath of fresh air [if they sold].”