Man United in line for ‘massive’ overhaul after £1bn update – pundit
Man United must undertake a thorough fan consultation process as they look to revamp their “iconic” Old Trafford stadium, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed there is “no doubt” that the famous ground is in need of improvement.
According to the Daily Mail (14 March), building an entirely new stadium is one of three options currently being discussed by Man United officials.
A revamp of Old Trafford’s South Stand and a makeover of the stadium’s hospitality facilities were also mooted in the report.
The newspaper claims the Red Devils are keen to expand the 74,140-seater so that its capacity exceeds 80,000.
Football Insider finance guru Dr Dan Plumley claimed (21 March) building a “historic” new stadium could cost Man United around £1billion.
Whelan insisted it is “massively important” to keep the history and values of the club intact with the development.
“There’s no doubt that they’ll be wanting to improve that stadium,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Look at the likes of Everton and Leeds United, they’re transforming the stadiums and boosting that capacity.
“But it comes down to how you do it. The fans have got to have input.
“It’s such an iconic ground. If you’re looking to develop that Old Trafford site, with all the history that comes with it – you need to consult the fans on what it is they want.
“They need to keep the history of that stadium intact and maintain the values of Man United, it’s massively important.”
Tottenham opened their state-of-the-art 62,850-seat White Hart Lane redevelopment in 2019.
Everton are also in the process of constructing a brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock with a capacity of almost 53,000.
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