United set to build UK’s largest stadium

Manchester United have announced plans to build the largest stadium in the UK.

The new “iconic” 100,000-seater stadium will cost £2 billion and will be located near Old Trafford. Once completed, the current stadium will be demolished.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to create “the world’s greatest football stadium,” and the club hopes to complete it within five years. The decision came after a long discussion about whether to upgrade Old Trafford or build a new one.

Old Trafford has been Manchester United’s home since 1910, and the team will continue playing there until the new stadium is ready.

Senior club officials have stated that it is not practical to modify Old Trafford for the women’s and youth teams. The new stadium will be designed by Foster and Partners. The design will include a large umbrella-like structure and a public plaza twice the size of Trafalgar Square.

A unique feature of the stadium is three tall masts called “the trident,” which will stand 200 meters high and be visible from 25 miles away.

Manchester United currently has £1 billion in debt and has not revealed how they will fund the stadium. However, CEO Omar Berrada believes it is “a very attractive investment opportunity” and is confident they will secure the necessary funds.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes the stadium will generate enough revenue to cover any additional costs.

Architects at Foster and Partners released concept images of the stadium on Tuesday. The stadium will be part of a new sustainable district that is completely walkable. United aims to create a “state-of-the-art stadium” that improves the fan experience while staying close to the club’s historic home.

The new stadium is expected to contribute £7.3 billion annually to the UK economy. It will include an “umbrella” structure that collects rainwater. The project will also help regenerate the Old Trafford area, making it the biggest redevelopment in the UK since the 2012 London Olympics. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed government support for the project.

Manchester United says the entire project will create 92,000 new jobs, lead to the construction of 17,000 homes, and attract 1.8 million visitors each year.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe described the project as “an incredibly exciting journey” and believes the new stadium could become “the most iconic football stadium in the world.” However, he noted that the start of construction depends on how quickly the government proceeds with the regeneration program.

The stadium will be built using pre-fabricated parts, transported in 160 pieces along the Manchester Ship Canal. The last major development at Old Trafford was in 2006.

Manchester United has consulted experts involved in building major stadiums like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Real Madrid’s renovated Bernabeu Stadium. They also gathered opinions from fans and local residents before deciding on a new stadium rather than upgrading the old one.

Foster and Partners have previously designed Wembley Stadium and Lusail Stadium, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.

Source: BBC Sports