The majority of Manchester United fans are in favour of knocking down Old Trafford and building a new stadium, the club have announced.
The results of a survey of more than 50,000 season ticket holders, United members and members of the executive club – the biggest ever conducted by United – has revealed that 52 per cent of fans want a new-build, 31 per cent are in favour of redeveloping the existing ground and 17 per cent are undecided.
Interestingly, the results showed that the desire for a brand new Old Trafford increases with age while younger fans would prefer to redevelop.
Other priorities important to fans included preserving the history and heritage of Old Trafford, increasing ticket availability and enhancing the atmosphere.
The results will be used by United’s stadium taskforce led by Lord Coe that is also engaging with the fans’ advisory board, fans’ forum and focus groups to decide on the best option.
The majority of Manchester United fans are in favour of knocking down Old Trafford and building a new stadium after a major supporter survey took place, the club have announced
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking into building a new stadium within the vicinity of Old Trafford
The first phase of fan consultation will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday when hundreds of fans are expected at Old Trafford for a number of Town Hall sessions to understand more about the project and ask questions directly to members of the project team, including stadium district architects Foster + Partners.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has expressed a preference to build a new Wembley of the North, wanted a decision by the end of the year – although reports on Tuesday say that could be put back until next summer.
Rick McGagh, United’s director of fan engagement, 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.
Man United in September released new images of their proposed 100,000 new stadium
An artist’s impression of the proposals shows United supporters outside a new stadium
Proposals have shown the potential regeneration of Old Trafford under the current plans
‘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.’
