Man Utd confirm where club will play matches during £2billion new stadium build as they release statement
MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed where they will play matches while their new £2billion stadium is being built.
The Red Devils have unveiled plans to create an incredible 100,000-seater arena dubbed the “Wembley of the North.”
The new stadium would be the biggest in the country.
And its unique design has already made it a talking point for fans around the world.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes a new home will help return United to the top of English football.
While the local area will also experience a regeneration project, creating hundreds of new jobs in the process.
United’s new stadium will be built close to where their current home of Old Trafford is situated.
The famous arena will eventually be knocked down as part of the construction plans.
But it’s led to concerns from fans that the Theatre of Dreams may be vacated sooner than expected, with a temporary home possibly needed.
However, United have now confirmed that they will continue to play at Old Trafford while their new stadium is being built.
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Architects revealed that although the two sites are near each other, there is enough room that Old Trafford will not be affected by any building work.
And it means United fans can continue to enjoy their famous old ground for a few years longer.
Patrick Campbell, an architect at Foster + Partners, told United’s official site: “The idea is to make sure that Manchester United can continue to play in Old Trafford throughout this whole process.
“So we’re locating the new stadium broadly in the middle of the Bridgewater Canal and the railway line, just to the west of the existing stadium.
Campbell also opened up on where key landmarks may move.
On the Munich Clock, he said: “It’s so important and non-negotiable. That has to play such an important part in the design of how all this comes forward.”
On the Trinity Statue, Campbell noted: “That’s 450 metres of tree-lined, activated — museums, shops, bars, hotels, entertainment — route, which links to the route coming from the cricket ground and Wharfside.
“So that’s maybe where we put the Trinity Statue, so that just as today, it faces towards and honours the stadium.”
Campbell also revealed Old Trafford’s pitch could be retained as a monument.
He added: “How does the existing stadium form part of the new chapter?
“What elements of that — is it the penalty spot, the halfway line, how can that manifest itself along the processional route?”