Manchester United's new owners are reportedly considering building a brand new stadium to replace Old Trafford, and are expected to announce their plans by the end of the year.
The club has been researching other stadiums, including the Santiago Bernabeu and Nou Camp in Spain, both of which have undergone extensive renovations in recent years.
Additionally, officials are said to have been examining SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where the Red Devils took on Arsenal on Sunday, to understand how the surrounding area has been revitalised.
Completed in 2020, the SoFi Stadium is a key part of a £4bn "Hollywood Complex" aimed at rejuvenating a significant part of Inglewood.
Funded by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, the 70,000-seat venue is set to host six World Cup matches in 2026, including the tournament's opening game.
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Man United planning state-of-the-art 100,000 seater stadium
According to Sky Sports, United aim to not only construct a new stadium but also revitalise the Trafford area where the new ground, scheduled for completion by 2030, will be located.
The report adds that they plan to announce details in December about the new stadium, which will have a 100,000 capacity and be constructed adjacent to the existing ground.
Should the plans go ahead, the new stadium in Manchester would be the largest in the UK, surpassing Wembley Stadium, which currently holds 90,000 seats.
An Old Trafford task force was formed when Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a part-owner, with a focus on thoroughly exploring ways to regenerate the existing stadium.
However, several logistical challenges could have driven up the costs beyond those of a new build. These issues might have included reducing the stadium's capacity during renovations or even necessitating a temporary relocation for the team.
Four meetings have already taken place around the feasibility of the new–build project, and it is understood that it is the favoured route, creating a new world-class venue with surrounding benefits, rather than renovating the current stadium.
Additionally, there is a belief that a club of United's stature deserves a new, state-of-the-art facility.
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'New Trafford' to get underway in 2025?
While a final decision is yet to be made, United lack the resources to fund the project independently, despite support from Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who are the majority owners.
The club is believed to be contemplating selling the naming rights but have assured that fans will be consulted throughout this process.
To date, United have surveyed 30,000 fans regarding their preferences and found a roughly even split between those who want to stay at the current location and those who favour moving to a new site.
Ratcliffe and co are exploring options for public-private partnerships to finance the new stadium and the broader redevelopment of the area surrounding Old Trafford, known as the Stadium District, which is situated on land owned by the club.
United have already reached out to the new Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is reportedly receptive to providing government support for enhanced transport links as part of the project.
Devesh Jaganath
