Manchester United plot move to build new stadium with 100,000 seating capacity as staggering cost of construction and AI images come to light
Several AI images and videos of the new Old Trafford have come to light as Manchester United plan to build a new 100,000 seater stadium adjacent to their current ground.
Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe set up a task force to consider the prestigious stadium's future in March. United legend Gary Neville, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and Trafford Council's CEO Sara Todd were part of the core committee.
According to reports, the council's initial recommendation is that instead of renovating the stadium, the club should build a new stadium adjacent to the current one. Manchester United will continue to play at Old Trafford, their home since 1910, for the duration of the construction.
The Red Devils plan on expanding their seating capacity to 100,000 in the new stadium. The process would reportedly cost a whopping £2 billion. The AI images and videos of the proposed stadium are eye-catching, to say the least.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants to build a campus like structure in the new Old Trafford. The cost of building it, however, is a concern as the club could have shouldered the renovation cost on its own.
Ratcliffe previously appealed to use taxpayers' money to help with the construction of the stadium. However, his proposal was rejected.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona
The Premier League is arguably the best league in the world and certainly boasts the most financial might in the modern game. Sir Jim Ratcliffe pointed out that clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona possess extraordinary stadiums, but the PL doesn't have anything similar.
Ratcliffe claimed that Manchester United, with their stature, and the EPL as a whole, should be on the same page as the Spanish giants. He told The Independent (via SportBIBLE):
"If you look at what Real Madrid are doing with the Bernabeu and Barcelona with the Nou Camp, the Bernabeu is fabulous, it's like a cauldron of noise. The Nou Camp is enormous and they're spending a lot of money revamping it."
Ratcliffe then added that the Premier League needs grounds that can compete with their European counterparts. The British billionaire's vision could be coming true with United taking the lead.