'World-class' - Manchester United reveal Old Trafford update with twist for 100,000-seater plan

The majority of Manchester United supporters have declared support for a new-build stadium following a survey from the club that sought opinions on the future of Old Trafford.

United sent a survey to supporters in an email in mid-September 'to ensure the views of its fans are at the heart of plans for the future of Old Trafford and the regeneration of the area.'

The club also hosted several focus groups to gauge fans' views - the process is ongoing - but the initial findings from the first phase of the consultation have now been shared.

United have announced 50,000 fans took part in their Old Trafford survey and the results show that a new-build stadium is the preference for the majority of fans, as 52 per cent prefer that option, compared to 31 per cent who prefer a redevelopment of the existing stadium.

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The survey was sent to season ticket holders, United members and executive club members, and the further 17 per cent who responded declared themselves unsure.

United have said the data showed the strongest support for a new-build stadium to be among current season ticket holders, with the desire for a new stadium increasing with the age of a season ticket holder, as younger fans lean more towards redeveloping Old Trafford.

They have said the survey results will 'help the club understand the wishes of fans as feasibility work continues on the options for Old Trafford' and they noted fans' desire to preserve history and heritage, increase ticket availability and enhance the atmosphere at the stadium.

Director of fan engagement, Rick McGagh, said: “We are delighted that this survey received the most responses in the club’s history. It shows how important this work is, and to have this level of engagement at this stage is a really positive place to start.

“We know how important our home is to fans, and we need to listen to them and gain all their views and insights in order to develop the world-class stadium they deserve.

“We are able to view the results through different lenses to understand if our season ticket holders feel differently about anything than say our official members.

"And if younger fans have different views to older fans. This insight is incredibly helpful and allows the project team to understand the differences as well as the commonality in our fanbase."

United intend to submit plans for a 100,000-all-seater new-build stadium by the end of the year and it would be built on land near the current Old Trafford if plans are given the green light.

Building a 100,000-seater would see United play their football at the second biggest club ground in Europe. Real Madrid have refurbished the Bernabeu, which is an 85,000-capacity stadium, and Barcelona have commenced work to increase Camp Nou's capacity to 105,000.

More information on the fan consultation process and survey results will be shared by the club later this year.