A survey has revealed that a majority of Manchester United fans prefer a new stadium over the redevelopment of Old Trafford. Fifty-two percent of over 50,000 season-ticket holders, members, and executive club members favor a new ground, while 31% support the redevelopment of the existing stadium. Seventeen percent were undecided on the best option, which is being considered by the owners in collaboration with the Old Trafford regeneration taskforce, which includes former United defender Gary Neville, the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and the World Athletics president, Lord Coe.
No specific timeline has been set for making a decision, but it is understood, as initially reported by the Daily Telegraph, that it is more likely to be in the spring or summer of next year. There had been indications that the decision would be made before the end of this year. United announced on Tuesday that an “options report” would be produced by the taskforce by the end of the year. The taskforce is believed to have focused its discussions on building a 100,000-capacity stadium rather than redeveloping the existing ground. Sources close to the taskforce stated in the summer that this is about more than just building a new stadium and that proceeding with this plan would represent the most ambitious regeneration project in Europe.
United found that newer season ticket holders were most likely to support a new ground, with positive sentiment for it also increasing with age. Rick McGagh, the club’s director of fan engagement, said: “We are delighted that this survey received the most responses in the club’s history. It shows how important this work is.” In September, it was announced that United had appointed Foster + Partners “to develop a masterplan for the Old Trafford Stadium District, covering the club-owned land that surrounds the existing stadium”. The club is holding town hall sessions at Old Trafford on Tuesday and Wednesday to provide fans with further information on the options and plans being discussed.
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