Manchester United to survey 500,000 fans over Old Trafford stadium plans

A final decision on what happens to the ground will be made before the end of the year

Manchester United will ask around 500,000 supporters if they want a new stadium or to redevelop Old Trafford as they prepare to launch the first phase of an extensive fan consultation process this week.
United’s men’s, women’s and executive season ticket-holders, fans on the season-ticket waiting list and all official club members will have an initial opportunity to have their say on the hugely emotive issue when they receive a survey via email on Friday.
Although Sir Jim Ratcliffe is understood to favour a new build as the centrepiece of a major regeneration project in the Old Trafford area, United want to ensure the views of fans are at the “heart of our decision-making process” before a final decision is made by the end of the year.
The survey will cover fans’ current match-day experience, what they want their future experience to look like and their opinions on the new build versus renovation options.
United have already ruled out demolishing Old Trafford and would instead aim to turn it into a 30,000- seat ground where the women’s and academy teams could play should they opt to build a spectacular new 100,000-capacity stadium on adjacent land, which could take six years to complete and cost more than £2 billion.
Alternatively, they could redevelop the current stadium, which would include expansion of the south stand over the railway line behind. Redevelopment could cost around £1.3 billion and take longer than a new stadium to complete.
Collette Roche, United’s chief operating officer, said: “We want to hear from as many fans as possible during this process to ensure we can capture all their views and understand what our supporters want from a world-class stadium in the future.
“This important survey is the first stage of our wider consultation with fans and will be followed by a series of focus groups and town hall meetings to make sure fan voice is at the heart of our decision-making process.”
In March, Ratcliffe convened a task force – chaired by Lord Coe and featuring former United captain Gary Neville and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham – to explore the feasibility of a new stadium and funding options.
Earlier this month, United formed a new strategic partnership with the city’s authorities to maximise wider growth and regeneration opportunities as part of their stadium plans.
United, Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority are creating an advisory team, led by an independent director, to oversee a joined-up vision for plans to transform the Old Trafford area, with a new stadium at its heart.
The group will ensure the work of the stadium task force is closely aligned with the current Trafford Wharfside redevelopment project.
“Old Trafford has evolved throughout its history and it’s clear we are at a point where it has to change again to ensure that Manchester United has a world-class stadium befiting the world’s greatest club and the world’s greatest fans,” Neville said.
“Old Trafford should be a stadium that the Manchester United fanbase can take pride in, so I urge the fans to complete the survey, and participate in the wider consultation, to help shape the task force feasibility work and ultimately inform the club’s final decision on the stadium’s future.”
Fans have until 23.59 on Oct 6 to return the survey, which should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.
In addition to fan consultation, United will also be seeking the views of local residents and the wider community, with that process starting next month.
Duncan Drasdo, chief executive of the Manchester United Supporters Trust who is also on the stadium task force, implored fans to make their voices heard.
“Enhancing fan engagement on key issues is at the heart of MUST’s mission and there are few more important questions at any football club than the future of the stadium,” he said.
“Our primary objective through the task force is to ensure that supporters’ voices have been heard when the club comes to make their decision about the future of Old Trafford, so we believe this process is of utmost importance.
“We’d encourage all fans to share their views and continue to engage throughout all aspects of the consultation process.”