Manchester United has established a new task force to evaluate options for the development of a ‘world class’ football stadium.
The ‘Old Trafford Task Force’ will weigh up options of renovating the Red Devils’ 74,310-seat Old Trafford home.
Lord Sebastian Coe has been named as chair of the new task force, which comprises ‘local leaders and national experts’, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Trafford Council CEO Sara Todd, club legend Gary Neville, and the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust CEO Duncan Drasdo.
The 20-time English champions have played at the iconic venue dubbed the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ since 1910. However, the stadium has not been renovated since 2006, a fact that has drawn criticism from fans and supporter groups under the Glazer family’s ownership.
In December, United confirmed that INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe had become a part-owner, after agreeing to acquire a 25% minority stake in the club. As part of that deal, which was approved by the Premier League last month, Ratcliffe committed to investing $300m (£233.6m) into club infrastructures.
The Old Trafford Task Force have been given the brief of building a stadium of ‘national significance’ that will be suitable to host international fixtures and finals.
Ratcliff, commented, “This can be a major regeneration project for an area of Greater Manchester which has played such a key role in British industrial history, but which today requires new investment to thrive again.
“The north-west of England has a greater concentration of major football clubs than anywhere else in the world, yet we don’t have a stadium on the scale of Wembley, the Nou Camp or the Bernabéu.
“We will not be able to change that on our own, which is why this task force is so important to help us seize this once-in-a-century opportunity.”
Former United captain Neville, added, “I’m incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege of playing hundreds of games at Old Trafford, and no one can take away those amazing memories.
“But Old Trafford has evolved throughout its history and it’s clear we are at a point where it has to change again to ensure that Manchester United has a world-class stadium befitting the world’s greatest club.
“While I want the best for Manchester United, I also want the same for the surrounding community.
“Old Trafford should be a stadium that the whole of Greater Manchester can take pride in, and be a catalyst for sustainable, cohesive growth in an area of the city that has been neglected for too long.”
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