Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has ambitious plans for the club’s new £2 billion stadium, hoping it will become a landmark for the north of England, similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Ratcliffe believes that ‘New Trafford’ will be a major tourist attraction, drawing in a billion Manchester United fans worldwide. This vision comes despite some fans jokingly comparing the stadium’s design to a “circus tent”.
Despite potential skepticism from Old Trafford regulars, especially given the team’s current league position, Ratcliffe emphasized the stadium’s importance for the club’s future. He previously stated the club needed to cut costs to avoid financial difficulties.
However, he proceeded to unveil plans for the massive 100,000-seat stadium, with the aim of completion by the 2030/31 season.
Ratcliffe explained, “The more iconic and extraordinary the stadium, the more successful the entire regeneration project will be.”
He drew a comparison to the Eiffel Tower, stating, “Everyone globally recognizes the Eiffel Tower. Visitors to Paris often plan their trip around seeing it.”
He added, “Manchester United has a billion followers worldwide. They will all want to visit this stadium.”
The Ineos owner, originally from Manchester, believes the region deserves a world-class stadium, a vision he intends to realize.
Ratcliffe highlighted the North of England’s significant football achievements, contrasting it with London’s array of iconic venues like Wembley and Wimbledon.
“The North deserves a stadium capable of hosting major England matches, Champions League finals, and befitting Manchester United’s global status,” he asserted.
He also emphasized the Premier League’s standing as the world’s best football league, arguing it needs stadiums that match the quality of Europe’s best, such as the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
Manchester United has studied these Spanish stadiums, along with the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Munich’s Olympic Stadium, for inspiration.
They aim for a unique design for United, possibly incorporating the ‘trident’ from their badge in the stadium’s architecture and a large umbrella-like structure, perhaps a nod to Manchester’s weather.
With a substantial waiting list for season tickets, the club is confident in filling the increased capacity of the new stadium.
Chief executive Omar Berrada stressed that stadium development won’t overshadow the team’s performance. “Our ambition is to have the best team in the world playing in the most iconic stadium,” he stated.
Berrada added that the stadium is intended to boost revenue for team investment and enhance fan experience.
Addressing financial concerns, Berrada explained recent measures to address the club’s losses, ensuring financial stability for future investments, including the stadium project.
Manchester United is yet to decide the future of Old Trafford, their home since 1910, but the new stadium plans signal a significant shift.
“We want a stadium worthy of this club’s stature and history,” Berrada concluded, emphasizing the goal to create a stadium lasting for another century.
Marcus Bellamy