Manchester United have embarked on a project to redevelop Old Trafford costing more than £200m that the club hopes will see it become one of the best stadiums in the world.
United have appointed a team of consultants to start work on a plan to both modernise and expand the ageing ground. United's controversial American owners the Glazers have sanctioned a project to enhance the stadium instead of knocking it down and building a new one.
The consultants commissioned to come up with a suitable masterplan are 'Legends International' and 'Populous', both of which have a wealth of stadium development experience from across the globe. United have promised to consult with supporters over what needs to be done to improve the experience of watching games at Old Trafford.
But United are keen to preserve the herigate of Old Trafford and a club statement said:"Manchester United has appointed a team of leading consultants to begin work on creating a masterplan for the redevelopment of Old Trafford. The team will be led by Legends International and Populous, both of which have a wealth of stadium development experience from across the globe.
"Work will begin immediately on developing options for Old Trafford and studying their feasibility, with the aim of significantly enhancing the fan experience. Fans will be at the heart of the process, starting with a meeting between the consultants and the Manchester United Fans’ Advisory Board later this month.
What do you think Man Utd should do to Old Trafford? Have your say here
"A similar process is already under way in relation to the club’s training facilities, with KSS appointed to develop a masterplan for an expanded, state-of-the-art facility for the Men’s, Women’s and Academy teams."
Former United defender Gary Neville said on his Instagram Live earlier this month, he said: “There is a story emerging from Old Trafford that they might rebuild the entire stadium and I have just been asked what I think of it.
“I actually think that it would be the right move. I think by the time that they have spent money on Old Trafford, the existing one, then I think you would be better off building a brand new, better, super stadium. I do think that Manchester United should always be at the forefront of stadiums, have the best facilities and they have fallen behind.”
