Sir Alex Ferguson reveals stance as Man Utd plan to leave Old Trafford for new £2bn stadium

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has given his thoughts on the club’s ambitious plans to build a brand new state-of-the-art stadium and knock down Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Manchester United’s plans to knock down Old Trafford and build a new state-of-the-art 100,000 seater stadium.

The club unveiled plans on Tuesday morning for a stunning new stadium which will be the main attraction of the regeneration of the Old Trafford area.

It’s estimated that the project will cost around £2billion and would mean United leaving their famous Old Trafford stadium, which has been their home for the last 115 years.

Ferguson oversaw one of the club’s most successful periods in history at the Theatre of Dreams before bringing the curtain down on his legendary tenure back in 2013. But he’s given the move the green light.

Speaking as the plans were revealed to the world, Ferguson said: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium we play in.

“Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally, but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”

The club will now embark on the next phase of their ambitious plans, which will include consultation, design and planning work.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made no secret of his desire to build a ‘Wembley of the north’ since acquiring a minority the stake in Manchester United and he heralded the news as an exciting milestone in the club’s history.

Ratcliffe said: “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.

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