By Andrea Caropreso
Index
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It might be the end of a dream, or the beginning of a new one. What’s certain is that Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams, will no longer be the home of Manchester United in the near future. At least, these are the intentions of the club’s ownership, who have already presented a new project for the construction of a 100,000-seat stadium. Such numbers would make the new Red Devils’ stadium the second-largest in Europe, after the soon-to-open new Camp Nou.
A New Beginning
It’s clear that the ownership of Manchester United, the American Glazer family, is not doing much to win over the fans. First, the disastrous sports management of recent years, then the internal cost-cutting that pushed away the legend Sir Alex Ferguson, and now the announcement of a future without Old Trafford.
However, one must understand that even a historically football-centric country like England needs to keep up with the times. English stadiums have always been unique in character — from Goodison Park to Old Trafford, to Anfield Road. But part of this tradition is fading. Everton will soon leave their historic ground, while West Ham, Tottenham, and Arsenal have already done so, and now it could be United’s turn. Less history, more standardized, similar but cutting-edge stadiums. All in the name of business, which ultimately is what matters most.
The Costs
The expenses for this unprecedented project will be enormous — over 2 billion euros for the construction of the new stadium. It’s a fascinating project, but it could be jeopardized by the club’s financial situation, which is not ideal. Manchester United has long been implementing a cost-cutting policy and is currently in debt by around 1 billion pounds.
It will be necessary to assess and verify the feasibility of this ambitious project, which will have to undergo scrutiny by the appropriate authorities. The FA (Football Association) has, in recent years, adopted strict regulations aimed at enforcing financial discipline (a sort of English Financial Fair Play) to prevent clubs from incurring excessive debt. Nevertheless, the Red Devils’ ownership is already enthusiastic about the project.
The Statements
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe recently made very positive comments about this possibility.
“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in global sport. Equally important is the opportunity for a new stadium to be a catalyst for the social and economic regeneration of the Old Trafford area, creating jobs and investment not only during construction but permanently when the stadium district is completed.”
These words were echoed by the city’s mayor, who is ready to welcome the new venue.
“Manchester United could have the best football stadium in the world. For me, that means a stadium faithful to the traditions of the club, accessible to all, excluding no one, and setting new global standards in the game.”
The project has already been entrusted to architect Norman Foster and foresees the construction of towers supporting the stadium over 200 meters high, visible even from the outskirts of Liverpool.
So, it is what it is — even if some nostalgic fans may find it hard to accept the demolition of the Theatre of Dreams, once graced by Best, Cantona, Rooney, and many others. In today’s football, having a modern, welcoming, and, above all, highly profitable stadium is essential — all in the name of business.
By Andrea Caropreso
