Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United’s new £2 billion stadium to be the northern equivalent of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The club’s co-owner believes that a massive number of Manchester United fans, potentially one billion, will want to visit the ‘New Trafford’ as a major tourist spot, even though some fans have jokingly called it a “CIRCUS TENT”.
Despite some skepticism from Old Trafford fans, especially considering the team’s current league position, Ratcliffe emphasized the grand vision.
He mentioned earlier in the week that the club needed to cut costs to avoid financial trouble by Christmas.
However, he then revealed plans for a huge 100,000-seat stadium, aiming for completion by the 2030/31 season.
Ratcliffe stated that making the stadium truly iconic and extraordinary is key to the success of the entire regeneration project.
He used the Eiffel Tower as an example, pointing out its global recognition and appeal to tourists.
“Everyone around the world knows the Eiffel Tower,” he said. “People visiting Paris often plan a trip to the Eiffel Tower.”
He believes the massive global fanbase of Manchester United will have the same desire to visit this new stadium.
Ratcliffe, originally from Manchester, feels the region deserves a world-class stadium, and he intends to deliver it.
He highlighted the North of England’s significant achievements in football, contrasting it with London’s array of famous venues like Wembley and Wimbledon.
“The North deserves to have a stadium where England can play football, host Champions League finals, and a stadium worthy of Manchester United’s global status,” Ratcliffe added.
He also spoke about the Premier League’s need for top-tier stadiums, comparable to Europe’s best like the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
Manchester United has studied these Spanish stadiums, along with the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and the Olympic Stadium in Munich, while developing their plans.
They aim for a unique design, incorporating three tent-like structures representing the trident on the club’s badge, and a large umbrella-like roof to address Manchester’s weather.
With a massive season ticket waiting list, the club is confident in filling the expanded capacity.
Chief Executive Omar Berrada stressed the importance of having a team that matches the grandeur of the new stadium.
“Our ambition is to have the best team in the world with the best and most iconic stadium,” Berrada said.
“We want the best players playing at Old Trafford in front of our fans.”
He explained that the stadium would generate additional revenue for team investment and enhance the fan experience.
Berrada also addressed financial concerns, stating that recent measures are addressing short-term financial losses and positioning the club to fund the stadium project.
The future of the current Old Trafford, the club’s home since 1910, remains undecided, but the new stadium plans signal a significant shift.
Berrada emphasized the desire for a stadium that reflects the club’s history and stature and will last for another century.
“Old Trafford is 115 years old, so we want to build a stadium that is going to last for another 100 years,” Berrada concluded.
