MANCHESTER UNITED are exploring an Old Trafford revamp, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been placed up for sale, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim among the interested parties.
Should the Glazer family remain at the helm, however, they could launch an ambitious, and long-overdue, stadium redevelopment.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United chiefs would rather upgrade Old Trafford than build an entirely new stadium.
They suggest that the redevelopment could take up to ten years – compared to the six years that building a new ground would take.
Old Trafford upgrades could see a year spent on each stand and a reduced capacity in the meantime.
Third tiers could be built onto the Stretford and Scoreboard Ends.
While the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand could be demolished and rebuilt altogether.
In new triple-decker stands, a Wembley-style corporate middle-tier could be adopted.
These would be specifically for hospitality ticket holders.
United have not expanded Old Trafford at all since the Glazers’ arrival nearly 18 years ago.
The Stretford and Scoreboard Ends previously possessed a single tier each – prior to both having second tiers added in 2000.
United have consulted stadium gurus Populous, responsible for Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, regarding potential Old Trafford upgrades or even a move.
They are determined to retain their home stadium’s “soul” – and want to avoid a new build like the Emirates – much criticised over the years for its atmosphere.
In addition to the stadium itself, a focus would have to be placed on new car parks, a station, and roadways leading to the ground.
SOURCE: thesun.co.uk
