English Premier League football club Manchester United has reportedly held meetings to explore an expansion of Old Trafford in a move that could increase the stadium’s capacity to 80,000.
BBC Sport reports that the club has opened discussions on a “major redevelopment” of the stadium that would centre on the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.
Old Trafford has a capacity of 74,140, with the most recent redevelopment work having been carried out in 2006. It has been reported that United has held initial meetings with “a number of interested parties” for the expansion of Old Trafford.
The club is said to be open to exploring different ideas on how the stadium can be improved, with the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand set to be key to any work that may take place.
BBC Sport notes that improvements in construction materials could pave the way for work to be carried out. Previously, problems relating to the nearby railway line have been viewed as a potential obstacle to any work on the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.
The redevelopment work would also include enhanced media and broadcast facilities and more hospitality areas.
The report comes as Premier League rival Liverpool moved forward with plans to further expand Anfield. Liverpool recently staged an official ground-breaking ceremony for the expansion of its Anfield Road Stand, which will increase the overall capacity of the stadium by 7,000 to more than 61,000.
In May, United’s executive co-chairman and director Joel Glazer stated that his family’s ownership group recognises the need to “significantly increase” investment in the stadium.
Glazer later pledged to “accelerate” upgrades to Old Trafford as part of what the club described as “a new era of dialogue and consultation with fans”.
In July, United supporters were able to sample new rail seating at Old Trafford during a pre-season friendly against Brentford. United fitted 1,500 rail seats following discussions between the club and the Manchester United Supporters Trust.
Image: Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
