Manchester United have confirmed the beginning of a process which will see the Premier League club attempt to expand Old Trafford.
The 74,140-seater arena was most recently expanded in 2006 and the state of the stadium has become a point of contention in recent times for fans critical of the Red Devils’ Glazer family owners.
No budget or timeframe was put in place with Thursday’s announcement of Legends International and Populous’ appointment as leading consultants on the work.
United will assess the feasability of the redevelopment, with modernising the ground expected to be a key aim for the club.
“Work will begin immediately on developing options for Old Trafford and studying their feasibility, with the aim of significantly enhancing the fan experience,” read a club statement.
“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.
“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.”
Missouri-based architecture firm Populous have also been enlisted by prospective Chelsea owners the Ricketts family in their bid to buy the club and redevelop Stamford Bridge.
