Revealed: When Manchester United plan to knock down Old Trafford amid new stadium announcement

It has been revealed when Manchester United plan to knock down Old Trafford amid their announcement that the club have chosen to build a new 100,000-seater stadium.

On Tuesday morning, Manchester United announced that they have chosen to build a completely new, 100,000-seat stadium instead of renovating the current Old Trafford.

“Manchester United has thrown its support behind the Government’s growth agenda by announcing its intention to pursue a new 100,000-seater stadium as the centrepiece of the regeneration of the Old Trafford area,” a club statement read.

“The stadium, and wider regeneration project, have the potential to deliver an additional £7.3bn per year to the UK economy which brings large-scale social and economic benefits to the community and wider region, including the possible creation of 92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes as well as driving an additional 1.8 million visitors annually.”

This goes along with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision to build a “Wembley of the North,” which has long since been a key point of his agenda since he bought 27.7% of the club just over one year ago.

What are the current plans for Old Trafford

Many eagle-eyed fans noticed during the initial release of concepts of the new stadium that there does not seem to be any hint that the current Old Trafford stadium will be part of the new project.

Various reports have stated that although the new stadium will be built on the same site, it will not be in the same exact place as the current stadium.

According to various claims, United plan to continue using their current Old Trafford ground right up until the new stadium is completed.

The architect of the project, Lord Norman Foster, has stated he believes the project will take around five years to complete, although other reports claim the expected length of time is closer to seven years.

When will Old Trafford be knocked down?

A report from The Telegraph has explained that Old Trafford is set to be knocked down, and the new stadium set to be build on the land adjacent to the current stadium.

With United set to be using Old Trafford right up until the completion of the new stadium, Old Trafford will, therefore, not be demolished until after this has happened, which may not be until 2032.

While the decision to demolish Old Trafford may be unpopular with many fans, the club aim to win the Premier League title by 2028, meaning they hope fans will still be able to see the stadium come to the end of its 100+ year era with new trophies in its cabinet.

“Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford,” said Ratcliffe on Tuesday.

“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.

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“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.

“Just as important is the opportunity for a new stadium to be the catalyst for social and economic renewal of the Old Trafford area, creating jobs and investment not just during the construction phase but on a lasting basis when the stadium district is complete.

“The Government has identified infrastructure investment as a strategic priority, particularly in the north of England, and we are proud to be supporting that mission with this project of national, as well as local, significance.”

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