Manchester United want to keep Old Trafford even if the club decide to build a new £2billion state-of-the-art stadium.
It was thought that plans for a 100,000-capacity ‘Wembley of the North’ would mean bulldozing United’s iconic home for 114 years.
But United are considering a scaled-down version of Old Trafford alongside the new arena that would preserve the history of the club and provide a permanent home for the women’s and academy teams.
As part of the ambitious project, the famous old ground that has been grown to a capacity of 75,000 since it was built in 1910 would be reduced to a single tier stadium that would hold closer to 30,000 fans.
Crucially, some of the most treasured features of Old Trafford would remain in place such as the Munich clock and tunnel that commemorate the 1958 air disaster, and the statues dedicated to Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson, Jimmy Murphy and the Holy Trinity of Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law.
Manchester United are hoping to keep Old Trafford despite their hopes to build a brand new stadium
The statue dedicated to the Holy Trinity of Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law would remain in place
The main obstacle to redevelopment over the years has been the rail track behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand
It would also preserve the hallowed turf where so many United greats have played down the years, and the old players’ tunnel on the halfway line that is the only surviving part of the original stadium.
While some Premier League clubs have knocked down their stadia or moved home completely, United believe they would be building a unique monument to the club and its history.
So far they have canvassed around 30,000 fans over the plans for a brand new stadium, with the response understood to be roughly 50-50. But that figure could change dramatically if supporters know they can have the best of both worlds.
The reduction of Old Trafford would be done after the new stadium is built, allowing United to continue playing at full capacity until it is ready.
The plans have to be financially viable to make the project work, and United could still lower their ambitions to a £1bn redevelopment of Old Trafford if they are not.
But it’s clear the club’s preference is to build one of world’s best stadiums on spare land behind the Stretford End while keeping the essence of the old ground.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a final decision by the end of the year, and it’s thought work could be completed by 2030.
Ironically, the main obstacle to redevelopment over the years has been the rail track behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and logistical issues of building it up to the same height as the other three sides of Old Trafford which have grown over time.
The plan is now to reduce the Stretford End (pictured), Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and East Stand to a single storey
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a final answer by the end of the year with the project potentially reaching completion by 2030
The plan now is to reduce all three – the Stretford End, Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and East Stand – to single storey structures for the women’s team and youth academy.
United cannot pay for the project on their own and are assessing public-private funding opportunities for the stadium and wider regeneration of the area around Old Trafford on land owned by the club that could be used for housing, leisure, business and education purposes.
Selling the naming rights to the stadium is being considered, although United insist fans will be consulted over that process.