Old Trafford hasn’t been redeveloped for more than a decade and Manchester United fans have made a series of complaints to the club’s owners to improve the ground
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Manchester United are considering increasing Old Trafford’s capacity from 74,140 to more than 80,000, according to BBC Sport.
Red Devils fans have criticised the stadium’s condition in recent years, with complaints including a leaky roof, rust and a mouse infestation.
Old Trafford hasn’t been redeveloped since 2006, while various other top-fight clubs – including rivals Liverpool – have modernised their ground or moved home.
United are thought to want to improve the media facilities, as well as construct new hospitality areas, and are currently in talks with interested parties.
It’s believed the biggest renovation will be improving the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, increasing it’s capacity and making sure it’s up to scratch.
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On reading the report, one United fan tweeted: “It’s about time! That stand has always looked outdated and out of place, it desperately needs revamping.”
While another supporter wrote: “We’d sell out a 100,000-seater stadium easy, no doubt in my mind.”
Speaking at a fan forum in June, the club’s co-owner Joel Glazer promised to give Old Trafford a major facelift in the coming years.
He said: “Old Trafford is at the heart of Manchester United and while we have spent over £100m over the last 10 years on infrastructure projects, we will now accelerate the process of planning much more significant investment and upgrades to the stadium.
“I do want to stress that these projects take time to plan and get right. But, rest assured, we will consult with supporters throughout the process to end up with a result we can all be proud of.
“The same goes for our training ground. Preliminary and exploratory planning work is already under way and there will be significant funding available to further enhance our facilities and ensure they remain world class.”
Fans protested against the Glazers’ ownership after the failed European Super League plot in April and one of the complaints was the state of Old Trafford.
Critics include United icon Neville, who said in 2020: “You look at the club now, this stadium I know it looks great here [on TV] but if you go behind the scenes it’s rusty and rotting.
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“The training ground is probably not even top five in this country, they haven’t got to a Champions League semi-final in 10 years and we haven’t won a league here for eight years.
“The land around the ground is undeveloped, dormant and derelict, while every other club seems to be developing the facilities and the fan experiences.
“The Glazer family are struggling to meet the financial requirements, and the fans are saying enough is enough.”
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