Man Utd won’t raze Old Trafford amid new ground talks – source

Manchester United are exploring plans to keep Old Trafford even if they decide to build a new stadium, a source has told ESPN.

United are leaning towards building a new 100,000-capacity stadium rather than redeveloping Old Trafford, although a final decision has not been made.

But even if the club opt to move away from Old Trafford, United’s home since 1910, there’s an option on the table to keep the existing stadium.

Sources have told ESPN that the plan could see Old Trafford’s capacity reduced from 76,000 to around 30,000 and continue to be used by the women’s and under-21 teams.

Both sides play the majority of their games at Leigh Sports Village, more than 15 miles outside Manchester.

United, according to sources, are keen to preserve the history of Old Trafford, including the statues around the stadium, the Munich clock and old players’ tunnel on the halfway line.

Building a new stadium on surrounding land is the option favoured by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the project task force, which includes Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham and former club captain Gary Neville.

But sources have told ESPN that the club are reluctant to demolish Old Trafford and the two stadiums could exist on a campus-style site.

United are expecting to make a final decision on the stadium project by the end of the year. Sources have told ESPN that it’s likely to last six years and is set to cost more than £2 billion ($2.5bn).