Manchester United have taken the first significant step to redeveloping Old Trafford after appointing a team of consultants to create a masterplan for the project.
Legends International and Populous, who were involved in the building of the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, have won the contract to work on the 112-year-old venue.
It emerged last month that bulldozing Old Trafford and rebuilding it from scratch was one of the more drastic options being considered. United have been looking at the possibility of extending the older South Stand over a railway line for some time, and also have the option of a large amount of additional land available next to the site.
Sources say the club remains open-minded about the redevelopment, adding that it will ‘focus on modernisation and potential expansion’ while aiming to ‘preserve the identity and heritage of Old Trafford’.
They believe the plan signals United’s commitment to deliver on chairman Joel Glazer’s promise of renewed investment in the club infrastructure.
United are also planning to redevelop their Carrington training base with the KSS Group appointed to draw up a masterplan for that project.
A club statement read: ‘Manchester United has appointed a team of leading consultants to begin work on creating a masterplan for the redevelopment of Old Trafford.
‘The team will be led by Legends International and Populous, both of which have a wealth of stadium development experience from across the globe.
‘Work will begin immediately on developing options for Old Trafford and studying their feasibility, with the aim of significantly enhancing the fan experience.
‘Fans will be at the heart of the process, starting with a meeting between the consultants and the Manchester United fans’ advisory board later this month.
‘A similar process is already under way in relation to the club’s training facilities, with KSS appointed to develop a masterplan for an expanded, state-of-the-art facility for the men’s, women’s and academy teams.’
