Manchester United does not intend to tear down Old Trafford if a new stadium is constructed. The iconic ground, in use since 1910, may be downsized to accommodate around 30,000 spectators for the women’s team and academy.
With the women currently playing most home matches approximately 15 miles away in Leigh, this transition would represent a significant improvement for them, while also honoring the venue’s rich history.
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Retaining Old Trafford would ensure that statues of Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, and Denis Law, as well as the tribute to Law alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, remain intact. The iconic clock commemorating the Munich disaster and the original central tunnel designed by Archibald Leitch would also be preserved.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe aims for United to finalize their stadium plans by December and favors a new facility with a 100,000 capacity projected to cost over £2bn and require approximately six years for completion. This new venue would be built adjacent to Old Trafford, allowing the current stadium to remain in use until the new one is finished.
Old Trafford currently accommodates up to 74,310 fans and has never had a capacity lower than roughly 44,000, which was the figure set in 1992 following the Hillsborough disaster that mandated all-seater stadiums. The venue was later expanded to around 58,000 in 1996, approximately 68,000 in 2000, and reached about 76,000 in 2006. The women’s team is scheduled to play three Women’s Super League matches at Old Trafford this season, starting with their first game next month against West Ham.
