Manchester United wants to keep Old Trafford even if the club decides to build a new £2 billion stadium.
Plans for a 100,000-capacity ‘Wembley of the North’ were thought to mean the destruction of United’s iconic 114-year-old home.
But United are considering a scaled-down version of Old Trafford with a new arena that would preserve the club’s history and provide a permanent home for the women’s and academy teams.
Under the ambitious project, the famous old ground, which has been expanded to a capacity of 75,000 since its construction in 1910, would be reduced to a single-level stadium that can accommodate almost 30,000 fans.
It is vital that some of Old Trafford’s most treasured features remain in place, such as the Munich clock and tunnel commemorating the 1958 air disaster, as well as statues dedicated to Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex Ferguson, Jimmy Murphy and the Holy Trinity by Sir. Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law. It would also retain the hallowed ground where many great United players have played over the years, and the old players’ tunnel at halfway, the only surviving part of the original stadium. While some Premier League clubs have demolished their stadiums or moved entirely, United believe they are building a special monument to the club and its history.
So far, they have asked about 30,000 fans about the whole project of the new stadium, and the answer seems to be about 50-50. But that figure could change dramatically if fans know they can have the best of both worlds.
The reduction of Old Trafford will take place once the new stadium is built, allowing United to continue playing at full capacity until it is ready. The plans must be financially viable for the project to work, and United can still lower their ambitions to £1bn to refurbish Old Trafford if they are not.
But it is clear that the club’s preference is to build one of the best stadiums in the world on a vacant plot behind the Stretford End, keeping the essence of the old ground.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a final decision by the end of the year and it is thought work could be completed by 2030.
Ironically, the main obstacle to the redevelopment over the years has been the railway line behind the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and the logistical problems of building to the same height as the other three sides of Old Trafford, which have been widened over time. The plan is now to reduce all three – the Stretford End, the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the East Stand – to single-storey facilities for the women’s team and youth academy.

Manchester United cannot fund the project alone and is evaluating public-private funding options for the stadium and the wider regeneration of the area around Old Trafford on club land that could be used for housing, entertainment, business and education.
Selling the stadium’s naming rights has been considered, although United insist fans will be consulted about the process.