Manchester United chiefs are set to deliver a verdict on either building a new stadium or redeveloping Old Trafford later this year.
The countdown is on. In only a few weeks, Manchester United fans will learn whether or not the club plans to build a new state-of-the-art stadium or refurbish Old Trafford.
Ineos have assembled a task-force responsible for assessing the stadium options and reporting back to the club’s hierarchy, who will make the final decision.
A new 100,000-seater stadium is expected to cost £2bn but would provide a huge boost to the club’s matchday income.
Fans can expect a new stadium to open in 2028 at the earliest if the hierarchy decide that a new-build is the best option going forward.
But it would be a hugely controversial decision to leave Old Trafford given it has been United’s home since 1910. That is precisely why Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have sought the opinions of fans.
Man United set to hold stadium ‘sessions’ with fans
The task-force responsible for assessing the stadium options are very eager to take the opinion of fans into consideration, and United recently sent out a survey to supporters to do just that.
United revealed on Tuesday afternoon that a record number of supporters responded to the Old Trafford regeneration survey, which could have major implications for the stadium decision.
As per the Daily Mail, United are also set to hold ‘town hall’ sessions with fans as part of their consultation over the club’s stadium project.
Ratcliffe has invited supporters to Old Trafford to share their views on whether the club should move to a new state-of-the-art venue or stay put.
Latest news on Man United’s £2bn stadium plans
Ineos are going through a thorough process before making what will be the biggest decision in United’s recent history.
There has been overwhelming support for United building a new stadium, with club legend Gary Neville in support of a “super stadium” and Paul Scholes in favour of leaving Old Trafford.
The Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, who is also part of the Ineos taskforce, also hinted that a new stadium would be built as close to Old Trafford as possible.
The decision still hangs in the balance and very much could come down to the opinion of fans, who appear split over what to do.
There is not long to wait before the official decision will be public and an announcement will be made.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
