Manchester United fans have shared both their excitement and concern with the latest news that the “development of a world-class football stadium” is at the heart of a new regeneration project.
Old Trafford is one of the most iconic Premier League stadiums but has come under recent scrutiny for a lack of upkeep and maintenance in recent years.
Viral videos of a leaking roof and fans getting soaked in their seats became an unfortunate trend on social media in recent months. Away fans have even included the words “Old Trafford is falling down” in chants being heard from the terraces during their matches.
The club confirmed on March 8 that a “joint task force” had been created to regenerate the Old Trafford area of Greater Manchester. Development of a world-class stadium is at the forefront of the new project.
Gary Neville: Old Trafford has to change
Former Man United captain Gary Neville is also part of the “task-force” in charge of the project that looks to: “Assess the feasibility of a new stadium of national significance equipped to host international games and finals, as well as providing a modernised home for Manchester United.”
Yet as the news broke, there was a divide among supporters as some showed concern that the history and memories of the old stadium would be lost.
I hope all this stuff about old trafford being knocked down isn't true. I think a renovation would benefit than knocking it down and rebuilding it.Keep the history alive within the stadium #manutd #oldtrafford
— Ashley Smallman (@BigAceAsh) March 8, 2024
I don't get the appeal of a new stadium, It'll be a soulless one anyway, I prefer it if we keep Old Trafford and renovate it
— Matt (@Manutdfan2022) March 8, 2024
But others were eager to leave the old stadium behind in the club’s bid to create a new home for the team.
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Old Trafford is iconic. Just like Highbury was and white hart lane etc etc but you HAVE to move on. A new state of the art ‘best in world’ stadium you can’t say no to
— Bart (@AshleyBarton86) March 8, 2024
Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeking to build a new Old Trafford makes me feel very happy.
— Uncle Wilson (@iam_wilsons) March 8, 2024
Although acutely aware of the history that the stadium has woven into its fabric, former captain Neville is of the opinion that Old Trafford needs to improve if the club want to keep moving forward.
“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,” he told the club’s website.
“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.”