Old Trafford revamp/could be torn down and rebuilt according to Glazer plans

What’s your preference for Old Trafford?

  • Rebuild

    Votes: 714 48.4%
  • Renovate

    Votes: 736 49.9%
  • Leave it as is

    Votes: 26 1.8%

  • Total voters
    1,476

captain666

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Glazers have demolished the Club from the inside so they may as well start on the outside!Not holding my breath though.
 

Banana Republic

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If Utd are to continue servicing their existing debts ( imposed on us by the Glazer take over), never mind paying the debt on any large stadium improvement, let alone a brand new stadium, we will need to start performing on the pitch and getting back to winning ways.

Utd’s income stream isn’t guaranteed forever and our total lack of success, falling out of realistic contention both in the EPL and UCL, the embarrassing defeats at the hands of rivals big and small, will only result in the revenue falling over time.
Our commercial value will slide backwards, the TV and prize money will fall behind others and the wider fan base will be eroded as we lose any sense of attractiveness or glamour.

Many of us are convinced we’ll always be a big club sitting near the top of the pile. This is delusion.
Our place at the top table was earn over many many years, not least the 20 years of near dominance in the EPL.
We are now in a different world and other teams are marching ahead of us commercially and in the growth of their worldwide support.
Unless the rot is stopped and we can get back to being in contention within the next 4 or 5 years, I fear we’ll be condemned as also rans for decades.

So if the Glazers are serious about rebuilding the stadium, to give us state of the art facilities as a commercial asset, then they’d better sanction the necessary rebuild of the club as a footballing enterprise as a priority.
Without that we a fekked.
 
Last edited:

Banana Republic

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My grandad grew up in Clayton and watched Utd play at Bank St. as a young lad.
In later years he was a regular at Old Trafford.
He used to tell me about the “olden days”, when I was a kid.
He’s been dead for over 50 years now, so I never did have the chance to ask him what the fans thought about Utd moving to another ground on the opposite side of the city.
 

ROFLUTION

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If Utd are to continue servicing their existing debts ( imposed on us by the Glazer take over), never mind paying the debt on any large stadium improvement, let alone a brand new stadium, we will need to start performing on the pitch and getting back to winning ways.

Utd’s income stream isn’t guaranteed forever and our total lack of success, falling out of realistic contention both in the EPL and UCL, the embarrassing defeats at the hands of rivals big and small, will only result in the revenue falling over time.
Our commercial value will slide backwards, the TV and prize money will fall behind others and the wider fan base will be eroded as we lose any sense of attractiveness or glamour.

Many of us are convinced we’ll always be a big club sitting near the top of the pile. This is delusion.
Our place at the top table was earn over many many years, not least the 20 years of near dominance in the EPL.
We are now in a different world and other teams are marching ahead of us commercially and in the growth of their worldwide support.
Unless the rot is stopped and we can get back to being in contention within the next 4 or 5 years, I fear we’ll be condemned as also fans for decades.

So if the Glazers are serious about rebuilding the stadium, to give us state of the art facilities as a commercial asset, then they’d better sanction the necessary rebuild of the club as a footballing enterprise as a priority.
Without that we a fekked.
Sensible post. The question must be asked though, if we're rebuilding anyways, why not get modernized along the way to not fall further behind off the pitch too? It's a tough line to balance, and could throw us off CL football for more years with underinvestment in the squad. Again it emphasizes how important it is to have football-people to run the club's transfer activity so we don't waste more money in that area.
 

Tarrou

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I wish the Glazers cared enough to build a new stadium, but they don't.

Whichever route allows for the cheapest, most superficial revamp is the one we'll get.
I don't think it matters if they care or not (they clearly don't give a feck)

but if the benefits outweigh the costs (future revenue and increased club value), they will do it and loan the money against the club
 

wolvored

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Another thing to think of is perhaps like Spurs they are thinking of holding NFL matches there and want to bring the stadium into the 21st century. Aesthetics are everything to non football fans, especially to sell on USA TV.
 

Mr Pigeon

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As if they care enough to finance a full rebuild.
I too am considering three options for my evening tonight;

- seduce the missus by serenading her and doing backflips before having a quick bang in the shower.
- seduce Scarlett Johansson by serenading her before having a quick bang in some alleyway.
- chicken fajitas followed by a massive nighttime shite.
 

buchansleftleg

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I'm very skeptical that this is anything other than just another..."we tried to redevelop the ground but problems (train line, Access etc) got in the way... so here is some new paint in a concourse" type approach we have had from the glazers since they took over. Who knows, maybe this time the supporters will be involved in choosing the wallpaper to go over the cracks?

My only hope is that this story coming out now is part of some plan to sell the club. Like a homeowner getting planning permission for an extension / 4th Bedroom to try and maximise the sale price.

For Sale: One Stadium and assorted players; at the heart of a popular location with good access to schools and city centre attractions, this well loved family home has great potential for further development and expansion to suit a larger (wealthier) family. Viewings available on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Saturdays and Thursdays from September 2022).
 

stubie

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If the rebuild does happen which I think is the right choice then I think the Glazers will do this to add to their valuation when they come to sell. I certainly would not be surprised to see us playing in a new stadium under new ownership within 5 years.
 

UnitedSofa

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I'm very skeptical that this is anything other than just another..."we tried to redevelop the ground but problems (train line, Access etc) got in the way... so here is some new paint in a concourse" type approach we have had from the glazers since they took over. Who knows, maybe this time the supporters will be involved in choosing the wallpaper to go over the cracks?

My only hope is that this story coming out now is part of some plan to sell the club. Like a homeowner getting planning permission for an extension / 4th Bedroom to try and maximise the sale price.

For Sale: One Stadium and assorted players; at the heart of a popular location with good access to schools and city centre attractions, this well loved family home has great potential for further development and expansion to suit a larger (wealthier) family. Viewings available on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Saturdays and Thursdays from Septenber 2022).
A poster above did say that they’re moving it a little to the right away from the train line

….& stop with the wishful thinking, Glazers aren’t selling up any time soon
 

Spoony

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Laporta said Barca's new Camp Nou will generate an extra 200 euros per annum due sponsorship and naming rights, ticketing, catering, VIP boxes, hospitality, meetings and events.

I don't think they'll go NFL either.
 

Gordon Godot

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A poster above did say that they’re moving it a little to the right away from the train line

….& stop with the wishful thinking, Glazers aren’t selling up any time soon
We seem to get these stories every couple of years. They were going to do the stand, then train line problems, then new techniques make it possible, now consider complete rebuild. The common narrative is they are always about to appoint someone to do something. I will believe it when they annouce a signed contract. Until then, I see it as more Glazer PR
 

Whatsername

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Without reading, how many people are still throwing out the “train line” argument? This is a total myth with modern construction methods and materials.
The train line is no issue at all.
Yeah, I thought it’d been reported a few years ago that it had been looked into and building over the track wouldn’t be a problem now.
 

dinostar77

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A rebuild of the stadium will still have the same problem that they have now, i.e. the trainline running behind the south stand. I thought they looked at plans to build over the train line but it would cost too much and they would still have to buy out the properties adjcent to the trainline?

Is there any chance in theory that the trainline could be used as a new station stop to Old Trafford?

I don't buy the bulldoze and rebuild option, unless the glazers want a state of the art stadium ala spurs that they can sell for maximum profit. Obviously the debt would again be leveraged onto the club and restrict our spending on the first team for a good 5-10 years, as Arsenal went through.

Personally id rather they sorted out the south stand, got capacity up to 96,000 or whatever the number fergie used to mention as the maximum potential of the stadium and modernised the training ground.
 

Danish Wizard

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Option 2 might be as expensive as option 1.
Yes, Old Trafford is a piece of history. So many legends have played there, magic moments, brilliant goals, matches etc. But the ground is more than 100 years old, and not up to standard these days.
I have visited several grounds across Europe, newly build, and these stadiums are magnificent for match-going fans, sponsors, boxes and so on. United can not offer this at Old Trafford, and it will be impossible / extremely expensive to refurbish / extend as it is now. Might be better and cheaper - I know it sounds crazy - to build from zero again.
 

RoyH1

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Renovating Old Trafford might be more expensive than building a new one so it makes sense. And real estate is a much different kind of debt that's easier to finance.
 

decorativeed

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Laporta said Barca's new Camp Nou will generate an extra 200 euros per annum due sponsorship and naming rights, ticketing, catering, VIP boxes, hospitality, meetings and events.

I don't think they'll go NFL either.
Hardly seems worth it for a few quid.
 

youmeletsfly

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I don't really care if it will be taken down or rebuilt, as long as it will look like a modern and clean stadium.

If they could magically do something about the idiots in the stands shouting and swearing at players non stop, boy our games would be fun to watch.

Usually I care about tradition and the fact it's a legendary stadium, but, for me to come see a game and spend a weekend in the UK, it's about 3 to 4 grand easily. I ain't paying 3 to 4 grand to see and old OT, no matter how legendary of a stadium it is.

The last time I've been it was literally dripping with rain on my arse through the roof for the whole game.
 

sparx99

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As much as I know Old Trafford needs major works to bring it in line with the modern game, I would feel very reluctant to see it demolished.

Although, in the unlikely event that the Glazers actually wanted to invest properly in the club, then I would imagine we could build a new stadium just behind Old Trafford and not have to move to an alaternative venue in between moves.
I get there is nostalgia but most of the stadium was built in the last 30 years. Not moving with the times and building a stadium fit for the next 50-100 years would be yet another sign of stagnation. Even just the simple fact that people are taller than there were 50 years ago means a rebuild is required.
 

RopersReturn

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Just think, a brand new stadium to rival our competitors (bar Anfield, which is an architectural mess).
This would not only generate more income but also would signal that the owners do actually care about the safety and comfort of our supporters. It would be great if it happened but I’m not holding my breath.
 

JB7

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I get there is nostalgia but most of the stadium was built in the last 30 years. Not moving with the times and building a stadium fit for the next 50-100 years would be yet another sign of stagnation. Even just the simple fact that people are taller than there were 50 years ago means a rebuild is required.
I'm 6"3 and have literally never faced an issue at Old Trafford relating to my height so I'm really interested to hear the explanation to this one.
 

diarm

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Apparently that’s all of our land so yeah it’s possible.
From that, we could build a new stadium to the left, and leave the old ground as is.

Then when the technology improves, install hologram projectors in Old Trafford and fill two stadiums for the big games.
 

Spoony

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I'm 6"3 and have literally never faced an issue at Old Trafford relating to my height so I'm really interested to hear the explanation to this one.

That seats are cramped and OT has the smallest treads in the league. It's basically a 60s spec stadium.
 

diarm

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I'm 6"3 and have literally never faced an issue at Old Trafford relating to my height so I'm really interested to hear the explanation to this one.
I'm 5"10 and I ripped my shins to shreds celebrating Ronaldo's winner against Arsenal in December.

I love Old Trafford and would hate to see it knocked, but we can't pretend the space between seats isn't tight.
 

TrueRed79

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Way too much misjudged nostalgia ITT. Yes OT as it currently is is an iconic stadium and instantly recognisable, but it's old and tatty and not fit for purpose anymore. I would be 100% against anything like an Emirates style bowl, but would prefer a new build. We have the land to build a new stadium while still playing at OT throughout. This is a real opportunity to build some truly iconic, and if you take a look at the new stadiums around the world it certainly doesn't have to be a generic type "bowl" that could be built. It really could be a statement and drag us into the 21st century. Putting a plaster on it by jazzing it up only delays the inevitable. Let's be bold and deliver a world class stadium that this club deserves.
 

Infra-red

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I'm 5"10 and I ripped my shins to shreds celebrating Ronaldo's winner against Arsenal in December.

I love Old Trafford and would hate to see it knocked, but we can't pretend the space between seats isn't tight.
Not sure that this could be solved with a renovation, though (shoulder room, possibly, but leg room is surely fixed unless you essentially rebuild the entire stand).
 

Infra-red

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Way too much misjudged nostalgia ITT. Yes OT as it currently is is an iconic stadium and instantly recognisable, but it's old and tatty and not fit for purpose anymore. I would be 100% against anything like an Emirates style bowl, but would prefer a new build. We have the land to build a new stadium while still playing at OT throughout. This is a real opportunity to build some truly iconic, and if you take a look at the new stadiums around the world it certainly doesn't have to be a generic type "bowl" that could be built. It really could be a statement and drag us into the 21st century. Putting a plaster on it by jazzing it up only delays the inevitable. Let's be bold and deliver a world class stadium that this club deserves.
Football is all about misjudged nostalgia, surely. Nothing wrong with getting misty-eyed about Old Trafford - it is legendary and iconic (yes, it is also tired, worn and cramped).
 

#07

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Have you ever been to Leigh Sports Village? It's a very nice, fully covered 12,000 capacity stadium, fully seated in three of the four stands, where the Women, u-23 and u-19 teams play. It's a modern stadium, built in 2008.
Admittedly I haven't been to Leigh Sports Village. However, I believe Man Utd teams should play in a fit for purpose stadium with an M postcode. I look at that City have done with their Etihad complex and think: 'Why weren't we way ahead of them doing that?'