Man United new stadium: Ex-PL CEO shares big news ‘from people I know who have seen the plans’
Former Everton chief Keith Wyness has claimed Man United are gearing up to build a new stadium next to the existing Old Trafford site.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested the project could “repair bridges” between the ownership and fanbase.
Man United set up an expert task force – which includes Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and ex-defender Gary Neville – earlier this month with the objective of regenerating Old Trafford – their current 74,310-seater stadium.
The Red Devils will not move away from their current home but announced they were exploring options to revamp the current ground or build an entirely new stadium.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe described it as a “once-in-a-century opportunity” to give the club a stadium comparable to the Santiago Bernabeu – which has recently undergone a revamp.
Man United will build new ‘once-in-a-century’ ground next to Old Trafford, says Wyness
Wyness claimed “people who have seen the plans” have revealed Man United are exploring the construction of an entirely new ground.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I think Ratcliffe was probably driving this.
“He’ll want to make an impact as he starts his journey with Man United. It’s always been great PR with the fans, of course.
“We’ve known that Old Trafford has needed a revamp for some time now.
“It’s a great way to start and repair some bridges between the Glazers and the fanbase.
“From people I know who have seen the plans, they’re not looking at moving away but just building on the land next door.
“It would be a great asset to improve, and the brand needs a refresh. They need a superb new stadium to match Real Madrid, Tottenham and other stadiums worldwide.
“They’ll still be at Old Trafford, and I’m sure they’ll be clever with how they use that existing land with museums and statues.
“The heritage they have is hugely important and needs to be fully respected, but I think they’ll do that.
“They’ll also need to take the club into the modern world.”
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