Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United, could undergo a complete transformation in the near future. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment into the club has paved the way for potential changes at the aging stadium. Architectural design company Populous, known for their cutting-edge stadiums, has put forward three plans to improve Old Trafford.

Revamping a Historic Ground

Old Trafford, which opened in 1910 and was last renovated over 15 years ago, is in need of work. Roof leaks have been filmed by fans, highlighting the need for improvements. Populous has proposed two options for a makeover project, including an expansion of the south stand and a complete redevelopment of the rest of the ground. The third option would involve demolishing the entire stadium and replacing it with a brand new arena.

A New Era for Manchester United

Populous CEO Chris Lee has recommended constructing a new ground, which would excite many Manchester United fans. The state-of-the-art stadium would match the club's stature and ambitions. However, others may find it difficult to say goodbye to one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.

Innovation and Excitement

If the plans are approved, fans can expect an innovative and exciting new stadium. Populous believes that technology will play a crucial role in the future of watching sport. However, the new Old Trafford will not be covered in screens. The firm values tradition, atmosphere, and comfort, as demonstrated by their previous stadium designs for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

A Customer-Centric Approach

Lee emphasized that fans are not just spectators, but customers with choices. The goal is to create a stadium that goes beyond mere capacity and provides an exceptional experience. The Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were both designed with the surrounding areas in mind, revitalizing neighborhoods and recognizing the importance of fan satisfaction.

Cost and Timeline

Building a new stadium at Old Trafford is estimated to cost around £2 billion, while a redevelopment could cost approximately £800 million and take up to eight years to complete. The decision lies with the boardroom, and Manchester United fans are hoping for an extraordinary outcome.

Populous, known for their impressive designs, has also worked on the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, which hosted the World Cup final. They first began their work in England in 1994 with the design of the John Smith's stadium for Huddersfield Town.