Manchester United look for ‘perfect solution’ to revamp Old Trafford

Manchester United are conducting a large-scale strategic review of their infrastructure, including Old Trafford and the club’s Carrington training base, amid recognition that modernisation is required.

The Glazer family, United’s owners, have faced criticism from supporters over the perceived neglect of Old Trafford. There have been complaints that it is looking “tired and tatty” at a time when many domestic and European rivals have either moved into new stadiums or are revamping existing grounds.

Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atlético Madrid have all moved into new stadiums during the Glazer era and Real Madrid and Barcelona are upgrading the Santiago Bernabéu and Nou Camp respectively. Liverpool have redeveloped Anfield. San Siro, which is home to Milan giants AC and Inter, is due to be rebuilt.

Responding to claims the Glazers did not want to spend the money, Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, said the club had invested £100 million in Old Trafford and other infrastructure over the past decade, including £20 million this year, but he acknowledged “that we need to do more”.

“We’re doing a big review in terms of where we are and what we need to do,” Woodward told the United We Stand fanzine. “We’re also looking at the training ground, The Cliff, Old Trafford and Littleton Road.”

Woodward said there were “no plans at present” to expand Old Trafford’s existing 76,000 capacity and that there was no desire to commit to developments that would materially change the “look and feel” of an iconic stadium.

“Our objectives for the stadium are for it to be safe, full and noisy,” he added. “Adding more seats can influence the third one, but has to be done in the right way.

“There are no plans currently to increase capacity, but I’m not saying it can’t happen long-term.

“If you totally change it then you can change the feel of it.

“We’re looking at an investment plan while maintaining what makes Old Trafford special. Part of the allure of United or Old Trafford is the fact that it’s a stadium that was built in 1910.

“Our vision for it is that we don’t want to radically change that look and feel. If you have Old Trafford and you regenerate, rejuvenate and keep it modern but keep it feeling like it’s Old Trafford, then that’s the perfect solution for us.”

Woodward said the prospect of creating a smaller stadium where the club’s junior teams and women’s team could play games, like Manchester City have at their CFA base, had been discussed but not gone any further at this stage.

He said United did intend to keep pushing for the introduction of safe standing areas at Old Trafford and are exploring the feasibility of a trial of rail seating.

Of the £20 million invested this year, £11 million had been committed to improvements to accessible facilities with a further £8 million on the refurbishment of hospitality areas and security upgrades.

Last month, United were heavily criticised by a coroner over failings that contributed directly to the death of a lifelong fan, John Whale, 80, during a derby game at Old Trafford in 2017.

At the inquest, a jury found that the behaviour of two of the club’s stewards – blocking an exit to the concourse at the stadium – had contributed to the death of the retired mining engineer.